Understanding the minimum wage
A contract paying below the minimum wage is void — even if you signed it.
Who this covers
- Everyone working in Korea
- Probationary workers too, in principle (some exceptions exist — check)
What to know
- The amount changes every year. Check this year's hourly rate at the Minimum Wage Commission www.minimumwage.go.kr or with 1350. This guide does not print a figure — an out-of-date number is more dangerous than none.
- Hourly, daily or monthly pay is all converted to an hourly rate for comparison.
- Dormitory and meal deductions cannot be used to push pay below the minimum. Deductions follow set rules.
- If you were paid below it, you can claim the difference.
Steps
- Work out your hourly rate. (Money received in a month ÷ hours worked that month)
- Compare it with this year's minimum wage.
- If it is lower, gather records. Attendance records, payslips, transfer records.
- Get advice from 1350 and file a complaint if needed.
What you need
- Labour contract
- Attendance records
- Records of wage transfers
Where to go
- Minimum Wage Commission www.minimumwage.go.kr
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor (interpretation available)
- Your regional labour office · labor.moel.go.kr
Questions people ask
They say I get less because I'm on probation. The probation exception has set conditions and does not apply whenever an employer likes. Check your case with 1350.
Is deducting dormitory costs allowed? Board and lodging deductions have rules and require a consent process. Large amounts cannot simply be taken.
Can I claim the difference after leaving the job? There is a time limit for claiming. Check with 1350 and act quickly.
Take care
"The minimum wage is different for foreigners" is not true. Discrimination by nationality is illegal.
Related
wage-payment-rules · unpaid-wages-report · overtime-pay · labor-standards-basics
Source
Minimum Wage Commission www.minimumwage.go.kr / Ministry of Employment and Labor www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08