Minimum Wage
Every worker in Korea must be paid at least the minimum wage, and this applies to foreigners equally regardless of nationality or visa. Any part of a contract setting pay below the minimum is void and treated as an agreement to pay the minimum. ⚠️ The amount is announced yearly and changes each January 1, so check this year’s exact hourly rate with the Minimum Wage Commission (minimumwage.go.kr) or the Ministry of Employment and Labor (this app doesn’t state the figure).
How to proceed
- 1The minimum wage is set per hour and changes every January 1 (verify this year’s figure officially)
- 2Check your pay slip to confirm your hourly pay meets this year’s minimum
- 3Monthly pay is converted using hours incl. weekly holiday pay (often 209 hrs/month) — don’t just multiply hourly × hours worked
- 4A probation reduction may apply (conditions like a 1+ year contract and within the first 3 months; simple-labor jobs are excluded — verify your case)
- 5If paid below the minimum, you can claim the difference (reportable as wage arrears)
Tips
- ⚠️ Check this year’s amount and whether a probation reduction applies with the Minimum Wage Commission or MOEL (☎1350) — it changes yearly; don’t assume.
- Monthly conversion depends on hours and weekly holiday pay — if unsure, use MOEL’s minimum-wage calculator or consult.
- Even if your contract states below the minimum, that part is void — if underpaid, see the wage-arrears guide to report it.
- If unsure whether your job/work type is an exception, don’t conclude alone — check with ☎1350 or a labor attorney.
Key contacts
- Minimum Wage Commission minimumwage.go.kr (this year’s amount)
- Ministry of Employment and Labor counseling ☎1350 (multilingual)
Solve it with a tool
Related guides
This is general information and has no legal force. Labor and residence rules depend on your situation and policy — always verify with experts (Ministry of Employment and Labor ☎1350, a labor attorney) and official sources.
Last updated: 2026-06-09