Korea Minimum Wage for Foreign Workers: Your Rights

What is the Minimum Wage in Korea?

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate an employer can legally pay their workers in Korea. This rate is set annually by the government.

It applies to most workers, regardless of their nationality or visa status, ensuring a basic standard of living.

Does the Minimum Wage Apply to Foreign Workers?

In most cases, yes. Foreign workers in Korea are generally covered by the same labor laws as Korean citizens, including the minimum wage.

However, there can be specific situations or visa types where different rules might apply, such as certain trainees or workers under specific international agreements. It is important to check your specific situation.

Your employment contract should clearly state your wage. This wage must be at least the current minimum wage rate.

How to Check Your Wage

First, find out the current official minimum wage rate for the year. This information is publicly available from official sources like the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Next, review your employment contract and your pay stubs. Compare your hourly or monthly pay to the official minimum wage. Remember to consider any deductions that might be listed.

Keep clear records of your working hours and the wages you receive. This includes copies of your contract, pay slips, and bank statements showing wage deposits.

What to Do if You Suspect Underpayment

If you believe you are being paid less than the minimum wage, gather all your relevant documents. This includes your employment contract, pay slips, bank statements, and any records of your working hours.

You can seek free advice and assistance from official government agencies or support centers for foreign workers. These organizations can help you understand your rights and the correct procedures.

For official guidance, you can contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) or a Foreign Worker Support Center. They can provide information based on the 'Labor Standards Act' and the '2026 minimum wage notice' (or the notice for the current year).

What to do step by step

1. Understand the general minimum wage rules in Korea.
2. Find the official minimum wage rate for the current year.
3. Review your employment contract and pay slips carefully.
4. Compare your actual pay to the official minimum wage.
5. Keep detailed records of your work hours and payments.
6. If you have concerns, seek free official guidance from the Ministry of Employment and Labor or a Foreign Worker Support Center.

What this guide assumes

• You are a foreign worker currently employed in Korea.
• You have an employment contract or agreement.
• You want to understand your basic wage rights under Korean law.

Example

Maria, an E-7 visa holder, works full-time at a small company. She checks her pay slip and calculates her hourly wage. She compares this to the current year's official minimum wage rate, which she found on the Ministry of Employment and Labor website. She keeps copies of her contract and pay slips in a safe place.

Limits and cautions

• This guide provides general information only and cannot determine your individual eligibility for minimum wage protection.
• It does not cover specific wage amounts for past years, as these change annually.
• It cannot provide legal advice or predict the outcome of any wage dispute.
• Specific visa types or employment conditions may have unique rules not fully detailed here.

Frequently asked questions