Korea Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027 — Hourly, Monthly and Who It Covers
Korea's minimum wage is ₩10,320 an hour in 2026 and ₩10,700 in 2027. Monthly equivalents, the 209-hour rule, probation deductions and what counts toward the minimum wage.
Korea's minimum wage applies to every worker, including foreign workers on any visa, part-timers and trainees. Here are the numbers and the rules that trip people up.
The rates
| Year | Hourly | Monthly (40 h a week, 209 h) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ₩10,320 | ₩2,156,880 |
| 2027 | ₩10,700 | ₩2,236,300 |
The 2027 rate was announced in August 2026 and takes effect on 1 January 2027.
Why monthly is × 209, not × 160
Full-time workers are paid for a weekly day off (weekly holiday pay). A 40-hour week plus 8 paid holiday hours is 48 paid hours, and a month has 4.345 weeks on average, so 48 × 4.345 ≈ 209. If your contract gives a monthly salary, divide by 209 to get your hourly wage. Part-timers can check theirs with the hourly wage converter.
What counts toward the minimum wage
- Counts: base pay and fixed monthly allowances paid in cash, including regular monthly bonuses and cash meal or transport allowances.
- Does not count: overtime, night and holiday premiums, and benefits provided in kind, such as free accommodation or meals, unless they are paid as cash.
Probation
During a probation period of up to 3 months, an employer may pay 90% of the minimum wage, but only if the contract is for one year or longer and the job is not simple manual work (such as cleaning, serving or delivery). Otherwise the full minimum wage applies from day one.
If you are paid less
You can report it to the Ministry of Employment and Labor (call 1350; interpreters are available) or visit a local labor office. Paying below the minimum wage is a crime for the employer, and you can claim the difference for up to 3 years back.
This guide reflects Korean laws and official notices as of 2026-10-08. Rules change, so confirm with the relevant agency before making important decisions.