Salary Expectations for Foreign Workers in South Korea
What can you realistically earn in South Korea? We break down average salaries by industry and experience level.
Minimum Wage
South Korea's minimum wage in 2025 is approximately ₩9,860 per hour, which translates to roughly ₩2.06 million per month for full-time workers.
English Teachers
ESL teachers typically earn between ₩2 million and ₩2.5 million per month, with additional benefits such as free housing, flight reimbursement, and health insurance.
IT Professionals
Software engineers with 3–5 years of experience can expect salaries ranging from ₩4 million to ₩7 million per month at major tech companies.
Manufacturing Workers
Workers on E-9 visas in manufacturing typically earn between ₩2 million and ₩2.8 million per month, often with overtime opportunities.
Negotiating Your Salary
Research industry benchmarks, highlight your unique skills, and don't be afraid to negotiate. Korean employers increasingly expect salary discussions during the hiring process.