South Korea, a global hub for technology, entertainment, and innovation, attracts expats, remote workers, and foreign investors alike. But how much do people actually earn in South Korea? Whether you're planning to move, hire talent, or benchmark global wages, understanding the average salary in South Korea (2025) is essential.
This guide dives into salary data by industry, occupation, and region—backed by reputable sources like Statistics Korea (KOSIS), Numbeo, and Salary Explorer.
Quick Overview: Average Salary in South Korea
- Average Monthly Salary: ₩3.8 million KRW (~$2,750 USD)
- Median Salary: ₩3.0 million KRW (~$2,170 USD)
- Minimum Wage: ₩9,860 KRW/hour (~$7.15 USD/hour)
Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ 1,380 KRW (as of 2025)
Sources:
Salary by Profession in South Korea
| Occupation | Average Monthly Salary (KRW) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₩5.5M | ~$3,985 |
| English Teacher (EPIK) | ₩2.2M – ₩2.7M | ~$1,600–$2,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | ₩4.8M | ~$3,475 |
| Nurse | ₩3.2M | ~$2,315 |
| Accountant | ₩4.0M | ~$2,900 |
| Lawyer | ₩6.5M – ₩10M+ | ~$4,700–$7,250+ |
| Marketing Manager | ₩5.0M | ~$3,625 |
| Call Center Agent | ₩2.1M | ~$1,520 |
| Fast Food Worker | ₩1.8M | ~$1,300 |
These values are averages. Multinational companies and foreign contracts often offer higher packages, especially in Seoul.
Salaries by City and Region
South Korea has a centralized economy, meaning that wages are significantly higher in Seoul and surrounding areas.
Seoul (Capital City)
- Avg monthly salary: ₩4.2M – ₩5.5M
- Hub for finance, IT, design, and international trade
Busan
- Avg salary: ₩3.2M – ₩4.5M
- Strong in logistics, shipping, and tourism
Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju
- Avg salary: ₩2.8M – ₩3.5M
- Lower cost of living, but fewer multinational firms
Compare regional wage data here:
South Korea’s Minimum Wage in 2025
As of January 2025, the national minimum wage is:
- ₩9,860 KRW/hour
- Approx. ₩1.78 million KRW/month (~$1,290 USD/month) for full-time workers (40 hrs/week)
Announced by: Ministry of Employment and Labor
Note: Employers are legally required to meet or exceed this rate. However, some industries (e.g., agriculture, domestic work) may operate with special exemptions.
Income Taxes and Social Contributions
Gross salary isn't take-home pay. Employees in Korea contribute to:
- Income tax (progressive: 6%–42%)
- National Pension
- Health Insurance
- Employment Insurance
Example:
If you earn ₩4 million KRW/month, expect to take home around ₩3.2M–₩3.4M after deductions.
Use tools like Korean Tax Calculator to estimate net pay.
High-Paying Industries in South Korea
- Technology & Engineering
- Samsung, LG, Naver, and Kakao offer competitive salaries
- Foreign software engineers often earn over ₩6M/month
- Legal & Finance
- Senior lawyers and investment professionals earn ₩7M–₩12M+
- Healthcare
- Specialists and surgeons can earn ₩10M+/month
- International Schools & Universities
- ESL teachers earn ₩2.2M–₩3.5M/month
- University lecturers: ₩3.5M – ₩5.5M+
- Gaming & E-sports
- Pro gamers and streamers in Korea can earn significant income (₩50M–₩500M+ annually)
How Does the Average Salary Support the Cost of Living?
| Category | Monthly Cost in Seoul (2025) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Apt) | ₩800K – ₩1.5M |
| Utilities & Internet | ₩200K – ₩300K |
| Food & Groceries | ₩500K – ₩800K |
| Public Transportation | ₩60K – ₩80K |
| Total (Solo) | ₩1.8M – ₩3.2M |
Source: Numbeo – South Korea Cost of Living
With an average salary of ₩3.
