The Ministry of Employment & Labor announced the 2026 minimum wage as 10,320 won per hour. It’s 290 won (2.9%) higher than 2025. Notice No. 2025-47, registered Aug 5, 2025. Based on 40 hrs/week, 209 hrs/month, monthly salary is 2,156,880 won. Effective Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026. First labor‑management agreement in 17 years since 2008. Applies to all workplaces regardless of industry or company size.
원문 보기2026 minimum wage applies the same to foreigners
2026 minimum wage is 10,320 won per hour. It applies the same to foreign workers who are legally allowed to work, regardless of nationality, age, or employment type.
Set by Ministry notice No. 2025-47 (registered Aug 5, 2025). It’s 290 won (2.9%) higher per hour than 2025. Working 40 hrs/week, 209 hrs/month gives a salary of 2,156,880 won. After tax and 4 insurances, net is about 1.92 million won.
It applies to all workplaces regardless of industry or company size.
Getting less than this amount is illegal.
2025 vs 2026 minimum wage comparison
| Category | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly wage | 10,030 won | |
2026 10,320 won | ||
| Monthly salary (209 hrs/month) | 2,096,270 won | |
| Increase rate | - | |
If you got less than the minimum wage, do this
'My salary looks weird...' If you think that, first do the calculation. It's not hard.
Your identity won't be revealed to the company when you report. The law protects you.
1. Calculate my hourly wage yourself
Divide your salary by actual hours worked. If it's less than 10,320 won, it's a violation.
2. Call the Ministry's customer center
Dial 1350 without area code. It's free.
3. Report to the local employment office
You can visit the nearest local office or report online.
4. Keep your pay slip and contract
You need evidence when reporting. Take photos or copies beforehand. This is the key step.
90% pay during probation, does my contract apply?
'Could I be covered too...?' Check your contract again.
All these conditions must be met for the 90% pay to be legal.
After 3 months, you must receive 100% (10,320 won or more).
If not stated in contract, company can't give only 90%.
Check your questions right away
What's my minimum monthly salary?
'What's the minimum amount I should get?' Curious? Adjust your monthly hours to see.