Average salary in South Korea in 2021

Economic situation

South Korea is one of the most developed Asian countries.
Over the past 50 years, the level of GDP per capita has increased from 65 to 27.8 thousand dollars. It is worth highlighting the following indicators, which are above average in this country:

1. Civil responsibility.
2. Accommodations.
3. Education system.
4. Employment opportunities.

The average income in dollars is 30.5 thousand. There is a significant gap between the poor and the rich. More than 60% of local residents have stable and well-paid jobs.

Salary levels in the regions of South Korea in 2021

What salary in South Korea depends on the specific region and the specifics of the city. Highest income in Seoul. Large companies such as Kia, SK, LG and Samsung are located in this city. Seoul is a major financial center. The following industries are developed in the city:

· Trade.

· Construction.

· Manufacturing industry.

· Printing.

Busan is the second largest city in the country. Jobs are provided by the automobile industry, the Korean stock exchange, a financial center, tourism and a port.

The highest level of income is for engineers, approximately 8 thousand dollars, managers - 6.2 thousand and specialists in the tourism field - 4.4 thousand.

Incheon is a center of international business. The following specialties are in demand:

• Steel industry.
• Shipbuilding.
• Chemical and oil refining industry.
• Textile and electrical industry.
• Engineering specialties are in demand.

Seongnam is worth noting among industrial cities. Here you can find jobs in the electronics, mechanical engineering and food industries.

Ulsan is also an industrial center. In addition to mechanical engineering, the oil refining industry is developing here.

Here are examples of average monthly salaries of Koreans in some specialties:

Popular specialties

The income of the population of South Korea varies by profession. To get a job, you must have a skill that is in demand. People with or even without education can find work.

Financiers, engineers and programmers have high earnings in South Korea. Without education, you can get a job on farms, plants or factories.

The following professions are especially in demand:

1. IT specialists.
2. Engineers.
3. Workers with technical education.
4. Research staff.
5. Technologists.
6. Designers.

The average salary of Koreans after taxes is 2 thousand dollars. The minimum salary in South Korea per month is 1 thousand dollars. After taxes it is $700. For Russians, you can apply for a visa at the country's embassy. The amount of income depends on work experience, qualifications and education.

A doctor's salary varies depending on his specialization. A dentist earns approximately $3.4 thousand. Surgeon - about 3.7 thousand. The income of a plastic surgeon is from 4 to 4.2 thousand.

A lawyer is also a sought-after specialist. Notaries, lawyers and lawyers receive more than 4 thousand dollars.

The highest salaries are for managers. The salary starts from 5-6 thousand dollars. So, how much do migrants earn in South Korea? Salary may differ from local salaries. On average, the amount varies between 1-3.2 thousand dollars.

A factory worker earns approximately $2.7 thousand. The level of income depends on the number of hours worked and the demand for the profession. The working day includes approximately 10 hours. The average salary at a factory is approximately 1.8-2.4 thousand. This does not include overtime. For a month, overtime can amount to 200-300 dollars. Workers in manufacturing, furniture and denim factories receive similar pay.

Construction specialties are also popular. In this area you can earn 2-3.5 thousand. Women in general earn 100-200 dollars less than men.

Cost of translation services in Korea, prices

Our interpreters in Seoul will provide you with competent, certified services and provide you with consecutive interpretation during negotiations, seminars, trainings, work on installation sites, when participating in presentations, exhibitions, as well as for support in medical institutions in Seoul. Our translators are fluent in several foreign languages ​​and have extensive experience working at exhibitions and conducting business negotiations in Seoul and its surroundings.

Salary per month by profession in 2021

In South Korea, there is practically no wary attitude towards visitors. Company managers value employees for their hard work and diligence, regardless of nationality. The salary is “white”. There are no additional payments in the envelope.

The salary level depends both on experience and on the company’s status in the market. For example, SAMSUNG pays large amounts to employees. Otherwise, it may affect the image of the corporation.

If we look at averages, after paying all taxes, the amounts will be as follows:

The following professions are always in demand in the country:

• scientist;
• IT specialist;
• engineer;
• teacher.

Professionals are worth their weight in gold. IT specialists, for example, can earn $15,000 or more. Knowledge of the Korean language is the most important condition for employment.

It should be noted that in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Incheon the highest salaries , which is associated with intensive urbanization, and in the provinces earnings are half as much, this is comparable to prices for services and goods in these regions. Employment in South Korea is exclusively legalized; there is no concept of “black” and “white” wages. As experience and length of service increase, salaries increase.

Employees of companies with a high status in the market receive high salaries, otherwise the company can ruin its reputation. The total household budget in South Korea averages $30,563 per year. Koreans working in large companies earn about 58 thousand dollars annually. Employees of medium and small enterprises receive up to 31 thousand dollars a year.

Minimum wage

The official minimum wage for Koreans in 2021 is $7 per hour. The cost of living for a month is $1050. This amount takes into account the 16% increase made at the beginning of the year.

The government plans to reduce the working week from 68 to 52 hours, which could affect overall income. This decision was made with the aim of increasing birth rates.

Maximum salary

The most paid positions in the country:

• CEO;
• rector of the university;
• Member of the National Assembly;
• high-ranking civil servant;
• pilot;
• plastic surgeon;
• specialist in the field of IT technologies.

The salary level for such professions starts from $10,000 and above.

Statistics

The republic is able to offer a very high level of wages. So, according to statistics for 2021, the average salary in this country was almost $3,200. But this amount does not take into account tax contributions to the state budget. Based on the total of all deductions, a person receives about 2.3 thousand dollars.

Average salary in South Korea

If we compare South Korea with other countries, this country ranks tenth in terms of wages. After deducting all taxes, the average Korean earns about $25,000 per year.

According to official data, the minimum wage in South Korea is $1,128. But as practice shows, $1015 is the amount including taxes. After deducting all necessary taxes, the employee is left with only $800. You can apply for a visa to enter Korea at the country's embassy.

Video: salaries in South Korea

Find out from the video:

• what is the real salary in South Korea;
• What does labor compensation consist of?

Average starting salary

In the Ease of Doing Business ranking, South Korea ranks in the top five out of 190 countries represented. A Russian migrant, as a rule, begins his career not by creating his own company, but by working in the production sector.

Starting salaries are $660–$700 per month for women and $750–800 for men. In a few months, this figure could rise to $1,000.

Main areas of work for visitors:

In most cases, the employer provides employees with housing in the form of a portable house and food.

Unemployment in Korea

At the beginning of 2021, the number of working citizens in South Korea increased by 9 thousand people. In total, about 26,230,000 people work in their workplaces in the republic.

As the working population increased, the unemployment rate also increased. It has now grown by 4.5%, which is approximately 1.2 million people today. This figure is the highest in the last 19 years of the entire existence of the republic. Unemployment among the young population has increased very strongly from 0.2% to 9%. The average age of young people is from 15 to 30 years.

Employment in Korea for married couples

Some employers welcome married couples without children. As a rule, such vacancies are provided on ordinary and marine farms and factories. For married employees, this has certain advantages.

• Married couples are usually given a separate room. But people without a significant other can get a bed in a room where 3-4 people live.
• Living with a spouse is much easier morally. You don’t have to worry about your loved one who is thousands of kilometers away.
• Living expenses will be slightly reduced. For example, it is always more profitable to cook for two than for one.

Employers also benefit from hiring married couples. As a rule, these people work better; there is no risk that they will run home. Married couples are more stable. There is a possibility that they will be able to stay for a long time in South Korea and become permanent employees.

Features of employment

One of the attractive features of working in South Korea is that employers here treat their colleagues not as slaves, but as full partners. The fact that cooperation here is perceived as an exchange of services gives a good chance of getting promoted and receiving a higher salary.

The average salary in this country is quite high. True, it is difficult for a foreign person to find a “monetary” place. Before rushing to attack South Korean companies, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of the mentality of local employers. No matter how attractive and well-written a resume is, the employer is unlikely to pay attention to it if he does not like the applicant’s photo.

Special attention is paid to appearance and respectability in South Korea.

Increase in Korea's GDP compared to other countries

This is practically a cult: when choosing what to save on - food or clothing, the average Korean citizen will prefer the first. This justifies itself, and it’s a shame to complain about the average salary. In addition to external data, connections and recommendations play an important role. The owner of a large company will prefer someone from the street to someone for whom the citizens of his country can vouch.

Under no circumstances should you respond to offers to work illegally on a tourist visa. This is fraught not only with constant delays in the payment of wages, but also with serious problems with the state authorities. In 2021, both highly qualified specialists and those who are not super professionals in a particular industry will be able to find work in Korea.

Vacancies for professionals

The following vacancies are relevant in 2021:

• IT specialists;
• programmers;
• engineers;
• radio engineers;
• technology;
• scientific workers.

Requirements for applicants are standard. First of all, the specialist must have certain experience. He also undertakes to provide the employer with proof of his qualifications. Equally important is excellent knowledge of spoken, written and technical English. Well, if the applicant speaks Korean, then his chances increase noticeably.

Jobs for non-professionals

Also in 2021, as before, work is relevant for those who cannot confirm their qualifications.

The most popular in 2021 are:

• working in a factory;
• farm work (with accommodation);
• work at a construction site.

Also in South Korea, someone who is ready to do seasonal work is always welcome.

How to get a visa and work permit in South Korea

In order to go to South Korea to work, you need to obtain a work visa.

The country's immigration system provides for 36 types of visas. Let's look at the most common ones:

• D-7 - issued to those employees who work for foreign enterprises that are investing in the Korean economy, as well as to qualified specialists holding positions in branches or representative offices of foreign companies.
• C-4 – issued for short-term employment (up to 3 months). This visa does not impose any special restrictions on the type of activity.
• E-3, E-4, E-5, E-7 – long-term type of visas. Issued for qualified foreign workers for the purpose of employment in South Korean companies. For example, this type of work visa must be obtained by lawyers, doctors, and technical specialists.

It all starts with the fact that the applicant must submit an application to the Korean Consulate at his place of residence. But he can do this only after an employment contract has been concluded with the future employer. In turn, an employer who intends to hire a specialist from abroad is obliged to obtain a certificate according to which the legality of such employment will be confirmed. This is where the difficulties begin, since not all employers want to spend their time on this procedure. It should be noted that unofficial work in the country risks not only a hefty fine and deportation, but also a ban on entry into South Korea.

Documents required to obtain a work visa:

• Statement.
• Visa application form.
• International passport.
• Color photo.
• Autobiography.
• Diploma of education.
• Certificate of employment agreement.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Medical insurance.

Documents are submitted personally by the applicant or through 3 persons without a power of attorney (sent by mail are not accepted). There are times when a visa specialist may ask for other documents. In this case, the applicant is obliged to provide them. All papers must be translated into Korean and notarized.

Obtaining a work visa occurs within a month. First, the document is issued for a period of 1 year with the right to extend only if the employer does not change. Upon arrival in the state, you must obtain a residence permit within 90 days. To do this, you need to contact the immigration service.

Obtaining permanent residence: stages, conditions, documents

Life in South Korea seems attractive to many Russian migrants, so they set themselves the task of obtaining permanent residence and then citizenship.

Permanent residence status is issued only after three years of residence in the South Caucasus and subject to compliance with local legislation. To receive it, you need to submit the following documents to the Department of Migration Affairs:

• passport;
• photocopy of visa;
• registration card;
• certificate confirming knowledge of the Korean language;
• certificates of bank account status and monthly income;
• paper from the place of work;
• marriage certificate;
• certificate of no criminal record.

Documents can be processed for up to three months. The cost of the service is $500. A migrant will lose his permanent residence status if he does not live in the country for more than five years.

Permanent residence is immediately granted to large investors, outstanding scientists and athletes, and heads of large corporations. It can also be received by persons married to a citizen of the South Caucasus.

Tax system of the country

You can only work legally in Korea, so taxes are deducted from the salaries of all employees. It is 26% of the salary. Of these, 12% are income, 14% are social. There are several types of taxation in the country:

• VAT – 10%;
• on profit: 10% – if income is less than 200 thousand dollars, if higher, then 12%;
• income – does not have a fixed rate (6–35%);
• real estate – 0.2–2%;
• for the purchase of luxury real estate - 12%, for standard real estate - 4%.

Taxes are withheld at two government levels: local and national. A large share of 80% is national, the remaining 20% ​​is local. The employer is responsible for the deduction.

Immigrant work in South Korea

Russians, Filipinos, Chinese and other ethnic groups actively come to South Korea to earn extra money. They are loyal to immigrants and hire them for a variety of professions, such as: cleaner, seasonal employee, handyman.

There is no need to apply for highly qualified vacancies: preference is given to citizens of South Korea.

Here is a list of areas in which foreigners usually find employment:

• furniture manufacture,
• seafood production and processing,
• farm work, construction,
• textile production,
• production of confectionery products, etc.

The starting salary for visitors is 600 - 800 dollars a month, but after a few months it reaches 1000 dollars.

Perhaps the most difficult thing to master when coming to work in South Korea is the national language . Without knowledge of the language, it is unlikely that you will be able to get a well-paid job, and knowledge of the language allows you to significantly expand the boundaries of potential professions. Visitors often find accommodation through acquaintances who speak the language. To successfully pass an interview in South Korea, you must have a neat appearance without excesses, comply with the ethical standards of the country, and also not be overweight (excess weight is often the reason for refusal of a job). But having a special education is not at all necessary.

Video on how to get a job in South Korea

Cost of Living Estimate in South Korea

You can calculate the cost of living in South Korea by changing the number of goods or services using a special input field next to the name of the product. The total amount will appear in a floating window at the bottom of the screen.

Living wage in South Korea

The living wage depends on the minimum income for work. The lowest salary is $7 per hour. From here the cost of living is calculated, amounting to 1.1 thousand dollars per month. Most of the income goes towards food and housing.

Food prices

Costs for children

Social insurance

Any employee injured at work as a result of any disaster is entitled to compensation and moral damages. There are also privileges for pregnant women.

The mother or father can take leave for 3 months - before or after childbirth. During this time, the position remains with the employee. You can serve 1 year, but you will be demoted.

Housing rental prices, per month

Level of medicine in the country

The country has seen a real technological breakthrough over the past ten years. Medicine here is extremely developed; incurable diseases practically do not exist. But to be eligible for treatment, be sure to take out health insurance.

The health insurance system here is quite well developed. Each officially employed resident is required to contribute a certain percentage of their salary to the selected company.

A person has the right to be treated in public hospitals at the expense of the company. On average, all treatment costs are covered by 70%.

Attitude towards pensioners

The retirement age is 61 years. To qualify for pension contributions, you must pay a share of your salary for 10 years. The average payment amount is 300 thousand.