Compliance
South Korea Sets 2026 Minimum Wage at 10,320 Won

South Korea Announces 2026 Minimum Wage Increase


South Korea has officially confirmed its minimum wage for 2026, bringing a modest increase for workers across the country. The update was announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which sets and regulates national labor policies.


Starting January 1, 2026, the national minimum wage will be 10,320 Korean won per hour, representing an increase of 290 won compared to the 2025 rate. This change reflects a 2.9% year-on-year rise.


What This Means for Monthly Salaries


Based on South Korea’s standard working hours — 40 hours per week or approximately 209 hours per month — the updated minimum wage translates to a monthly salary of 2,156,880 won for full-time workers.


The policy applies equally across all industries, meaning every employer in South Korea must follow the same minimum wage requirement regardless of company size or sector.


Why the Minimum Wage Matters


Minimum wage adjustments play an important role in supporting workers’ livelihoods while balancing economic conditions for businesses. Even a modest increase can impact:

  1. Entry-level workers and part-time employees
  2. Small and medium-sized businesses managing payroll costs
  3. Overall wage standards across industries


Employers operating in South Korea should ensure their payroll systems and employment contracts comply with the updated wage requirement starting in 2026.


For official details, refer to the announcement from the Ministry of Employment and Labor.