Minimum wage in South Korea (2026)
The statutory minimum wage in South Korea and the net take-home pay it leaves after tax.
The gross minimum wage in South Korea is about ₩2,096,270 per month. After income tax and social contributions that leaves roughly ₩1,732,564 net.
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How salary is taxed in South Korea
Income tax in South Korea is progressive: marginal rates rise from 6% to 45% as income grows. Employees also pay social contributions of around 9.71% of gross salary. A tax-free allowance of about ₩1,500,000 per year is deducted before income tax. The standard VAT rate is 10%. For example, a gross salary of ₩4,500,000 per month leaves about ₩3,577,343 net, after ₩485,708 income tax and ₩436,950 in social contributions, an effective deduction rate of 20.5%.
| Annual taxable income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₩14,000,000 | 6% |
| Up to ₩50,000,000 | 15% |
| Up to ₩88,000,000 | 24% |
| Up to ₩150,000,000 | 35% |
| Up to ₩300,000,000 | 38% |
| Up to ₩500,000,000 | 40% |
| Up to ₩1,000,000,000 | 42% |
| ₩1,000,000,000 and above | 45% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in South Korea?
The figures above show the statutory gross minimum wage in South Korea per month, with the net take-home amount after tax and social contributions.
How much is the minimum wage after tax in South Korea?
We apply the current income-tax and social-contribution rates for South Korea to the gross minimum wage to estimate the net monthly pay.
Minimum-wage figures are approximate, based on the latest available official rate.
Approximate 2026 estimate. Simplified model, verify before relying on it. Not tax advice.
Rates updated June 2026