2026 minimum wage rises to 10,320 won/hour: what foreign workers should know

From 1 January 2026, South Korea's minimum wage rises to 10,320 won/hour, 2.9% higher than the 2025 rate of 10,030 won. It applies nationwide — Korea has no separate regional or sector-based minimum wage.

Based on the standard 209 working hours per month (40-hour week plus paid weekly rest, 주휴수당), the monthly minimum is about 2,156,880 won before tax and insurance deductions.

This applies to most foreign workers, including E-9 (EPS) and E-7 holders. Paying below the minimum wage violates Korean labor law.

When checking your contract: the minimum is an hourly figure. Convert the monthly salary in your 표준근로계약서 to an hourly rate to confirm it reaches 10,320 won, and check which items count toward the minimum (some fixed monthly allowances may be included under the rules).

If you are paid below the minimum, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor (고용노동부) or a labor counseling line; keep your contract and payslips as evidence.