Do foreign workers really get the same minimum wage as Korean workers?

Yes. Korean labor law protects foreign workers equally, including the minimum wage. In 2026 that is 10,320 KRW per hour, or about 2,156,880 KRW per month for a 40-hour week. The minimum wage is updated yearly, so confirm the current rate before signing a contract.

How is overtime paid in Korea?

Overtime, night work, and holiday work must be paid at 1.5 times your normal wage. Holiday work beyond 8 hours is paid at 2 times. Standard hours are 8 per day and 40 per week, with overtime capped at 12 hours per week (52 hours total). Keep your own records of hours worked in case of a dispute.

Wages and Work Conditions: What Korean Labor Law Guarantees You

Equal Protection Under the Law

A key fact many migrant workers do not know: foreign workers get the same labor-law protection as Korean workers. Minimum wage, working-hour limits, overtime pay, and severance all apply to you.

⚠️ The minimum wage changes every year. The figures below are for 2026 — always confirm the current rate before signing any contract.

2026 Minimum Wage

10,320 KRW per hour
Roughly 2,156,880 KRW per month for a standard 40-hour work week

This is a legal floor. Your employer cannot pay you less, whatever your nationality.

Legal Working Hours

Item	Legal limit
Standard hours	8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
Maximum overtime	12 hours per week
Effective weekly cap	52 hours

Premium Pay — You Earn More for Extra Work

Korean law requires higher pay for overtime, night, and holiday work:

Overtime, night work, holiday work: 1.5× your normal wage
Holiday work beyond 8 hours: 2× your normal wage
Weekly paid holiday allowance: if you meet the attendance conditions, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest day

Severance Pay

If you work 1 year or more, you are entitled to severance pay. For E-9 workers, this is handled through departure guarantee insurance, so make sure your employer is enrolled.

The Four Social Insurances

Insurance	Who pays / applies
Industrial accident	Covers all workers; paid by the employer
Health insurance	Mandatory
Employment insurance	Mandatory if your work activity is 1 year or longer
National pension	Based on reciprocity — varies by nationality

National pension coverage depends on an agreement between Korea and your home country, so check your specific case with the National Pension Service.

Protect Yourself

Keep records of your hours worked and payslips.
If premium pay or the minimum wage is not respected, you have the right to report it (see the worker rights guide).
Ask earlier-arrived workers of your nationality about real conditions, then reconfirm the legal details through official channels.

Knowing these numbers is the first step to making sure you are paid fairly and legally.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and figures change each year — always confirm on the official portal epsnepal.gov.np before you act.