KR

South Korea: Payroll & Employment Facts

Maintained byWhichapp Research
Last verified2026-06-06
Dataset2026 statutory
Source-verified — every figure links to its official source Currency · KRW How we verify ↗

Verified statutory employment facts for South Korea, each with its official source and the date it applies from. This is our reference record. For provider choice and hiring advice, see the South Korea employer-of-record guide and the South Korea country hub.

What is the minimum wage in South Korea?

National minimum wage
₩10,320.00 / hour
Effective 2026-01-01 minimumwage.go.kr High
Next review date
Q3 2026
Checked 2026-06-05 minimumwage.go.kr High

What employer social contributions apply in South Korea?

Rates are a percentage of gross wage, applied up to the annual contribution ceiling.

Employer social security rate
1.15%
Effective 2022-07-01 taxsummaries.pwc.com High
Pension
4.50%
Effective 1999-04-01 nps.or.kr High
Healthcare
4.00%
Effective 2024-01-01 mohw.go.kr High
Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance
1.53%
Effective 2024-01-01 moel.go.kr High
Annual contribution ceiling
74,040,000 KRW
Effective 2024-07-01 mohw.go.kr High
Total employer burden
11.18%
Checked 2026-06-06 taxsummaries.pwc.com

What notice and leave rules apply in South Korea?

Statutory minimum notice the employer must give, by completed length of service.

Length of serviceEmployer notice
0 to 2 months0 weeks
3+ months4 weeks
Checked 2026-06-06
Payment in lieu of notice (PILON)
Permitted
Checked 2026-06-06
Minimum annual leave
15 days
Checked 2026-06-06
Annual leave includes public holidays
No
Checked 2026-06-06
Public holidays per year
15 days
Checked 2026-06-06

Is 13th-month pay required in South Korea?

None of the following are mandated by statute; they may still arise from a contract or collective agreement.

Thirteenth-month pay required
Not available
Profit sharing required
Not available
Holiday bonus required
Not available

How is severance calculated in South Korea?

Formula
A statutory minimum of 30 days' average wage for each year of continuous service
Checked 2026-06-06 elaw.klri.re.kr High
Per-year multiplier
1
Checked 2026-06-06 elaw.klri.re.kr High
Minimum qualifying tenure
12 months
Checked 2026-06-06 elaw.klri.re.kr High
Calculation base
Average wage over final 3 months
Checked 2026-06-06 elaw.klri.re.kr High

This is a reference record of statutory minimums, not legal advice. Figures can be exceeded by contract, works-council, or collective-bargaining agreements, and accident-insurance and care rates vary by case. Confirm against the linked official source before acting.

Maintained by Whichapp · How we verify our data · South Korea country hub