Korea's statutory minimum wage is 10,320 won per hour from January 1 through December 31, 2026. The Minimum Wage Council lists an eight-hour daily amount of 82,560 won and a monthly equivalent of 2,156,880 won based on 209 hours.
The minimum wage generally applies regardless of nationality, but take-home pay can differ because of tax, social insurance, accommodation, meals, and other lawful deductions. Workers should compare their written contract, payslip, recorded hours, and actual deposit rather than relying on the monthly headline alone.
If pay appears to fall below the legal minimum or overtime is missing, preserve schedules, messages, bank records, and payslips. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's counseling line at 1350 can explain the appropriate complaint or consultation route.
