{"content_id":"9ajy5ufhk3","slug":"2027-korea-minimum-wage-10700-won-guide","locale":"en","schema_type":"NewsArticle","category":"news","category_name":"News","title":"2027 Minimum Wage of 10,700 Won: Monthly Salary Conversion and Implementation Schedule","summary":"The proposed minimum wage for 2027 is 10,700 won per hour, an increase of 380 won (3.7%) from 2026. Based on a 209-hour work month, the pre-tax monthly equivalent is 2,236,300 won. The rate will be finalized and announced by August 5, 2026, and will take effect on January 1, 2027.","author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["The proposed minimum wage for 2027 is 10,700 won per hour, an increase of 380 won, or 3.7%, from 2026.","Based on an 8-hour workday, the daily wage is 85,600 won, and the pre-tax monthly equivalent, based on a 40-hour workweek and 209 hours per month, is 2,236,300 won.","Following a vote on the workers' committee proposal of 10,730 won and the employers' committee proposal of 10,700 won, the employers' committee proposal was adopted with 15 votes.","The number of affected workers is estimated to be either 660,000 or 2,978,000, depending on the survey method; the difference between the two figures stems from variations in the survey population and calculation methods.","As of July 17, 2026, the Minimum Wage Commission’s proposed resolution has been announced, and the final decision and official announcement are scheduled to take place by August 5."],"content_markdown":"On July 14, 2026, the Minimum Wage Commission approved a proposal to set the minimum wage for 2027 at 10,700 won per hour. This represents an increase of 380 won, or 3.7%, from the 2026 minimum wage of 10,320 won.\n\nHowever, to accurately describe the legal status as of July 17, 2026, the current amount is the **“minimum wage proposal”** approved by the Minimum Wage Commission and announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Following the labor-management objection process, the Minister of Employment and Labor will make the final decision and issue a public notice by August 5, 2026, at which point the minimum wage will take effect on January 1, 2027.\n\n## Key Figures at a Glance\n\n| Category | 2026 | Proposed Rate for 2027 | Increase |\n|---|---:|---:|---:|\n| Hourly Wage | 10,320 won | 10,700 won | 380 won |\n| Daily Wage | 82,560 won | 85,600 won | 3,040 won |\n| Monthly Equivalent | 2,156,880 won | 2,236,300 won | 79,420 won |\n| Increase Rate | — | 3.7% | — |\n\nThe daily wage is calculated based on an 8-hour workday. The monthly equivalent is the pre-tax amount calculated by multiplying 209 hours per month, assuming a 40-hour workweek and including paid weekly rest hours.\n\n## How is 2,236,300 won per month calculated?\n\n### Basic Calculation Formula\n\n- Hourly wage: 10,700 won\n- Daily wage: 10,700 won × 8 hours = 85,600 won\n- Monthly equivalent: 10,700 won × 209 hours = 2,236,300 won\n\nThe 209 hours per month are typically calculated as follows:\n\n`(40 hours per week + 8 hours of paid weekly rest) × 365 days ÷ 7 days ÷ 12 months ≈ 209 hours`\n\nTherefore, 2,236,300 won is the **official monthly conversion amount based on a 40-hour workweek and 8 hours of paid weekly rest**.\n\n### Not all employees receive a monthly salary of 2,236,300 won\n\nThe actual amount paid varies depending on the employment contract and work arrangements.\n\n- Monthly wages differ if the scheduled working hours are fewer or more than 209 hours per month.\n- Weekly rest day allowances are paid only when statutory requirements, such as the scheduled weekly working hours, are met.\n- Overtime, night shift, and holiday work allowances, which are paid when statutory requirements are met, are calculated separately from the monthly converted minimum wage.\n- Since 2,236,300 won is a pre-tax amount, it differs from the actual take-home pay after deductions for National Pension, Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, and income tax.\n- Compliance with the minimum wage is determined not by the total gross pay alone, but by converting the wages specified by law as part of the minimum wage into an hourly rate.\n\n## How Much Will It Increase Compared to 2026?\n\nThe proposed minimum wage for 2027 will increase by 380 won from the 2026 hourly rate of 10,320 won. For an 8-hour workday, daily wages will increase by 3,040 won, and based on a 209-hour work month, monthly wages will increase by 79,420 won.\n\n| Comparison Unit | Calculation | Increase |\n|---|---|---:|\n| 1 hour | 10,700 won − 10,320 won | 380 won |\n| 8 hours per day | 380 won × 8 hours | 3,040 won |\n| 209 hours per month | 380 won × 209 hours | 79,420 won |\n\nThis comparison is a simple conversion based on the assumption that working hours remain the same and other allowance or deduction conditions do not change.\n\n## How Did the Decision-Making Process Unfold?\n\nThe initial demands from labor and management were far apart. Labor proposed 12,000 won per hour, while management proposed freezing the rate at 10,320 won—the same as in 2026. Subsequently, labor and management narrowed the gap by submitting up to the 12th revised proposal.\n\nThe final proposals—10,730 won from the workers’ representatives and 10,700 won from the employers’ representatives—differed by a mere 30 won. As no agreement was reached, a vote was held at the 14th plenary session on July 14, 2026.\n\n| Proposal | Votes |\n|---|---:|\n| Workers’ Committee Proposal: 10,730 won | 11 votes |\n| Employers’ Committee Proposal: 10,700 won | 15 votes |\n| Invalid | 1 vote |\n\nAll 27 members present voted, and the employers’ proposal of 10,700 won was adopted. In 2027, the single-rate system—which applies the same minimum wage across all businesses subject to the Minimum Wage Act without sector-specific variations—will remain in place.\n\n## Remaining Procedures and Implementation Schedule\n\n| Date or Deadline | Procedure |\n|---|---|\n| July 14, 2026 | The Minimum Wage Commission passes the proposal for an hourly wage of 10,700 won |\n| July 16, 2026 | The Ministry of Employment and Labor announces the proposed minimum wage for 2027 |\n| Within 10 days of the announcement date | Labor and management representatives designated by law may file objections |\n| By August 5, 2026 | The Minister of Employment and Labor makes the final decision on the minimum wage and announces it |\n| January 1, 2027 | The final minimum wage takes effect |\n| December 31, 2027 | The 2027 minimum wage application period ends |\n\nThe receipt of an objection does not automatically trigger a re-review. The Minister of Employment and Labor may request a re-review by the Minimum Wage Commission only if the Minister deems the grounds for the objection valid or determines that it is difficult to set the minimum wage based on the submitted proposal.\n\n## How Many Workers Are Affected?\n\nThe Minimum Wage Commission presented the number of workers affected by the 2027 minimum wage proposal based on two statistical criteria.\n\n| Survey Basis | Estimated Number of Affected Workers | Impact Rate |\n|---|---:|---:|\n| Survey on Employment Status by Employment Type | 660,000 | 3.8% |\n| Supplementary Survey of the Economically Active Population | 2,978,000 | 13.3% |\n\nThese two figures are not contradictory. The range of results varies significantly due to differences in the survey population, sample size, wage measurement methods, and the definition of workers affected by the minimum wage. Therefore, rather than adding or averaging the two figures, they should be cited alongside their respective survey criteria.\n\n## To Whom Does It Apply?\n\nIn principle, the minimum wage applies to all businesses or workplaces that employ one or more workers. Anyone classified as a “worker” under the Labor Standards Act—including full-time, non-regular, part-time, and casual workers, as well as minors and foreign nationals—is subject to the minimum wage, regardless of employment status or nationality.\n\nEven if an employer and employee agree, any provision setting a wage lower than the minimum wage is invalid. However, since there are statutory exceptions—such as businesses employing only relatives living in the same household, certain domestic workers, and seafarers—as well as cases requiring an individual determination of worker status, the specific applicability must be verified separately.\n\nIn principle, probationary employees are also subject to the minimum wage. However, probationary employees who have entered into an employment contract for one year or more may be paid 90% of the minimum wage for up to three months from the start of their probationary period, provided they meet the statutory requirements. There are exceptions where such reductions are not permitted, such as in unskilled labor occupations.\n\n## Matters for Employees and Employers to Verify\n\n### Employees\n\n- Verify that the hourly wage is 10,700 won or more for work performed on or after January 1, 2027.\n- Keep your employment contract, time records, pay stubs, and bank deposit statements.\n- Check to see if your weekly rest day allowance and overtime, night shift, and holiday work allowances have been calculated in accordance with the respective requirements.\n- If you suspect your pay falls below the minimum wage, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s Customer Service Center at 1350 or your local employment and labor office.\n\n### Employers\n\n- Review the 2027 wage schedules and employment contracts for employees paid by the hour, by the day, or by the month.\n- For monthly-salaried workers, recalculate the hourly wage based solely on the portion of the salary that counts toward the minimum wage.\n- Reflect weekly rest day allowances and overtime, night shift, and holiday work allowances separately from the basic monthly converted amount, in accordance with the respective statutory requirements.\n- Post information at the workplace so that employees can easily understand the minimum wage amount and its application.\n- Update payroll software, job postings, labor cost budgets, and outsourcing rates to reflect the 2027 standards.\n\n## Key Interpretation\n\nThe 2027 minimum wage of 10,700 won does not simply represent an hourly rate. While the official monthly equivalent for a 40-hour workweek is 2,236,300 won, the actual monthly salary and take-home pay vary depending on scheduled working hours, weekly rest day requirements, the composition of allowances, and social insurance and taxes.\n\nFurthermore, as of July 17, 2026, the Minimum Wage Commission’s resolution has been announced. The final statutory amount must be confirmed based on the details determined and announced by the Minister of Employment and Labor by August 5, 2026.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOn July 14, 2026, the Minimum Wage Commission approved a proposal to set the minimum wage for 2027 at 10,700 won per hour. This represents an increase of 380 won, or 3.7%, from the 2026 minimum wage of 10,320 won.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, to accurately describe the legal status as of July 17, 2026, the current amount is the \u003cstrong\u003e“minimum wage proposal”\u003c/strong\u003e approved by the Minimum Wage Commission and announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Following the labor-management objection process, the Minister of Employment and Labor will make the final decision and issue a public notice by August 5, 2026, at which point the minimum wage will take effect on January 1, 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#key-figures-at-a-glance\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"key-figures-at-a-glance\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eKey Figures at a Glance\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCategory\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2026\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProposed Rate for 2027\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIncrease\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eHourly Wage\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026\"\u003e10,320 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Proposed Rate for 2027\"\u003e10,700 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Increase\"\u003e380 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eDaily Wage\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026\"\u003e82,560 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Proposed Rate for 2027\"\u003e85,600 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Increase\"\u003e3,040 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eMonthly Equivalent\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026\"\u003e2,156,880 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Proposed Rate for 2027\"\u003e2,236,300 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Increase\"\u003e79,420 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eIncrease Rate\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026\"\u003e—\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Proposed Rate for 2027\"\u003e3.7%\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Increase\"\u003e—\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily wage is calculated based on an 8-hour workday. The monthly equivalent is the pre-tax amount calculated by multiplying 209 hours per month, assuming a 40-hour workweek and including paid weekly rest hours.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-is-2236300-won-per-month-calculated\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-is-2236300-won-per-month-calculated\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow is 2,236,300 won per month calculated?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#basic-calculation-formula\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"basic-calculation-formula\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eBasic Calculation Formula\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHourly wage: 10,700 won\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDaily wage: 10,700 won × 8 hours = 85,600 won\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonthly equivalent: 10,700 won × 209 hours = 2,236,300 won\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 209 hours per month are typically calculated as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccode\u003e(40 hours per week + 8 hours of paid weekly rest) × 365 days ÷ 7 days ÷ 12 months ≈ 209 hours\u003c/code\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, 2,236,300 won is the \u003cstrong\u003eofficial monthly conversion amount based on a 40-hour workweek and 8 hours of paid weekly rest\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#not-all-employees-receive-a-monthly-salary-of-2236300-won\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"not-all-employees-receive-a-monthly-salary-of-2236300-won\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eNot all employees receive a monthly salary of 2,236,300 won\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actual amount paid varies depending on the employment contract and work arrangements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonthly wages differ if the scheduled working hours are fewer or more than 209 hours per month.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeekly rest day allowances are paid only when statutory requirements, such as the scheduled weekly working hours, are met.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOvertime, night shift, and holiday work allowances, which are paid when statutory requirements are met, are calculated separately from the monthly converted minimum wage.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSince 2,236,300 won is a pre-tax amount, it differs from the actual take-home pay after deductions for National Pension, Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, and income tax.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompliance with the minimum wage is determined not by the total gross pay alone, but by converting the wages specified by law as part of the minimum wage into an hourly rate.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-much-will-it-increase-compared-to-2026\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-much-will-it-increase-compared-to-2026\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow Much Will It Increase Compared to 2026?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe proposed minimum wage for 2027 will increase by 380 won from the 2026 hourly rate of 10,320 won. For an 8-hour workday, daily wages will increase by 3,040 won, and based on a 209-hour work month, monthly wages will increase by 79,420 won.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComparison Unit\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCalculation\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIncrease\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison Unit\"\u003e1 hour\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculation\"\u003e10,700 won − 10,320 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Increase\"\u003e380 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison Unit\"\u003e8 hours per day\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculation\"\u003e380 won × 8 hours\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Increase\"\u003e3,040 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison Unit\"\u003e209 hours per month\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculation\"\u003e380 won × 209 hours\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Increase\"\u003e79,420 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis comparison is a simple conversion based on the assumption that working hours remain the same and other allowance or deduction conditions do not change.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-did-the-decision-making-process-unfold\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-did-the-decision-making-process-unfold\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow Did the Decision-Making Process Unfold?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe initial demands from labor and management were far apart. Labor proposed 12,000 won per hour, while management proposed freezing the rate at 10,320 won—the same as in 2026. Subsequently, labor and management narrowed the gap by submitting up to the 12th revised proposal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final proposals—10,730 won from the workers’ representatives and 10,700 won from the employers’ representatives—differed by a mere 30 won. As no agreement was reached, a vote was held at the 14th plenary session on July 14, 2026.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProposal\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVotes\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Proposal\"\u003eWorkers’ Committee Proposal: 10,730 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Votes\"\u003e11 votes\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Proposal\"\u003eEmployers’ Committee Proposal: 10,700 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Votes\"\u003e15 votes\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Proposal\"\u003eInvalid\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Votes\"\u003e1 vote\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll 27 members present voted, and the employers’ proposal of 10,700 won was adopted. In 2027, the single-rate system—which applies the same minimum wage across all businesses subject to the Minimum Wage Act without sector-specific variations—will remain in place.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#remaining-procedures-and-implementation-schedule\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"remaining-procedures-and-implementation-schedule\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eRemaining Procedures and Implementation Schedule\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDate or Deadline\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProcedure\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date or Deadline\"\u003eJuly 14, 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Procedure\"\u003eThe Minimum Wage Commission passes the proposal for an hourly wage of 10,700 won\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date or Deadline\"\u003eJuly 16, 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Procedure\"\u003eThe Ministry of Employment and Labor announces the proposed minimum wage for 2027\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date or Deadline\"\u003eWithin 10 days of the announcement date\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Procedure\"\u003eLabor and management representatives designated by law may file objections\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date or Deadline\"\u003eBy August 5, 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Procedure\"\u003eThe Minister of Employment and Labor makes the final decision on the minimum wage and announces it\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date or Deadline\"\u003eJanuary 1, 2027\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Procedure\"\u003eThe final minimum wage takes effect\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date or Deadline\"\u003eDecember 31, 2027\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Procedure\"\u003eThe 2027 minimum wage application period ends\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe receipt of an objection does not automatically trigger a re-review. The Minister of Employment and Labor may request a re-review by the Minimum Wage Commission only if the Minister deems the grounds for the objection valid or determines that it is difficult to set the minimum wage based on the submitted proposal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-many-workers-are-affected\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-many-workers-are-affected\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow Many Workers Are Affected?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Minimum Wage Commission presented the number of workers affected by the 2027 minimum wage proposal based on two statistical criteria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSurvey Basis\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEstimated Number of Affected Workers\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eImpact Rate\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Survey Basis\"\u003eSurvey on Employment Status by Employment Type\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Estimated Number of Affected Workers\"\u003e660,000\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Impact Rate\"\u003e3.8%\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Survey Basis\"\u003eSupplementary Survey of the Economically Active Population\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Estimated Number of Affected Workers\"\u003e2,978,000\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Impact Rate\"\u003e13.3%\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two figures are not contradictory. The range of results varies significantly due to differences in the survey population, sample size, wage measurement methods, and the definition of workers affected by the minimum wage. Therefore, rather than adding or averaging the two figures, they should be cited alongside their respective survey criteria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#to-whom-does-it-apply\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"to-whom-does-it-apply\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eTo Whom Does It Apply?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn principle, the minimum wage applies to all businesses or workplaces that employ one or more workers. Anyone classified as a “worker” under the Labor Standards Act—including full-time, non-regular, part-time, and casual workers, as well as minors and foreign nationals—is subject to the minimum wage, regardless of employment status or nationality.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven if an employer and employee agree, any provision setting a wage lower than the minimum wage is invalid. However, since there are statutory exceptions—such as businesses employing only relatives living in the same household, certain domestic workers, and seafarers—as well as cases requiring an individual determination of worker status, the specific applicability must be verified separately.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn principle, probationary employees are also subject to the minimum wage. However, probationary employees who have entered into an employment contract for one year or more may be paid 90% of the minimum wage for up to three months from the start of their probationary period, provided they meet the statutory requirements. There are exceptions where such reductions are not permitted, such as in unskilled labor occupations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#matters-for-employees-and-employers-to-verify\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"matters-for-employees-and-employers-to-verify\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eMatters for Employees and Employers to Verify\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#employees\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"employees\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eEmployees\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerify that the hourly wage is 10,700 won or more for work performed on or after January 1, 2027.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep your employment contract, time records, pay stubs, and bank deposit statements.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck to see if your weekly rest day allowance and overtime, night shift, and holiday work allowances have been calculated in accordance with the respective requirements.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you suspect your pay falls below the minimum wage, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s Customer Service Center at 1350 or your local employment and labor office.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#employers\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"employers\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eEmployers\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the 2027 wage schedules and employment contracts for employees paid by the hour, by the day, or by the month.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor monthly-salaried workers, recalculate the hourly wage based solely on the portion of the salary that counts toward the minimum wage.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflect weekly rest day allowances and overtime, night shift, and holiday work allowances separately from the basic monthly converted amount, in accordance with the respective statutory requirements.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePost information at the workplace so that employees can easily understand the minimum wage amount and its application.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpdate payroll software, job postings, labor cost budgets, and outsourcing rates to reflect the 2027 standards.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#key-interpretation\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"key-interpretation\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eKey Interpretation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2027 minimum wage of 10,700 won does not simply represent an hourly rate. While the official monthly equivalent for a 40-hour workweek is 2,236,300 won, the actual monthly salary and take-home pay vary depending on scheduled working hours, weekly rest day requirements, the composition of allowances, and social insurance and taxes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, as of July 17, 2026, the Minimum Wage Commission’s resolution has been announced. The final statutory amount must be confirmed based on the details determined and announced by the Minister of Employment and Labor by August 5, 2026.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["2027 minimum wage","Minimum hourly wage","Weekly holiday pay","Monthly salary conversion","Labor policy"],"faqs":[{"question":"Has the 2027 minimum wage of 10,700 won already been finalized?","answer":"As of July 17, 2026, this is the proposed minimum wage approved by the Minimum Wage Commission and announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Following the statutory objection process, the Minister of Employment and Labor will make the final decision and announce it by August 5, 2026."},{"question":"When does the 2027 minimum wage take effect?","answer":"The final amounts announced will be effective from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027."},{"question":"What is the minimum monthly wage for a worker who works 40 hours a week?","answer":"Based on a monthly total of 209 hours, including paid weekly rest time, the pre-tax monthly amount is 2,236,300 won. The actual take-home pay varies depending on social insurance premiums and tax deductions."},{"question":"If I work 8 hours a day, what is the minimum daily wage?","answer":"That comes to 85,600 won, calculated by multiplying the hourly wage of 10,700 won by 8 hours. If overtime, night shift, or holiday work occurs, separate allowances or premium pay may apply depending on statutory requirements such as the size of the workplace and the type of employment."},{"question":"How much will my monthly salary increase compared to 2026?","answer":"Based on 209 hours per month, the amount will increase by 79,420 won, from 2,156,880 won in 2026 to 2,236,300 won in 2027."},{"question":"Does this apply to part-time workers, teenagers, and foreign workers as well?","answer":"Under the Labor Standards Act, any worker is, in principle, subject to the minimum wage, regardless of whether they are a regular employee, their work schedule, age, or nationality. However, separate verification is required in cases where certain statutory exceptions apply or where the worker’s status must be determined."},{"question":"Can I pay less than 10,700 won during the probationary period?","answer":"In principle, probationary employees are also entitled to the full minimum wage. However, if they have signed an employment contract for one year or more and meet the statutory requirements, their wages may be reduced by up to 10% for a maximum of three months starting from the first day of their probationary period; such reductions are not permitted for positions involving unskilled labor."},{"question":"Does the 209 hours per month include the weekly rest day allowance?","answer":"Yes. The 209 hours per month for an employee working 40 hours per week is calculated based on the combination of the standard 40-hour workweek and 8 hours of paid weekly rest. Whether weekly rest pay is actually due is determined based on individual working hours and statutory requirements."},{"question":"If I reach an agreement with my employer, can I accept a wage lower than the minimum wage?","answer":"No. Even if the parties have agreed to it, any provision stipulating wages below the minimum wage is invalid, and the employer must pay at least the statutory minimum wage."},{"question":"Why is there such a significant difference in the number of affected workers—from 660,000 to 2,978,000?","answer":"The Survey on Working Conditions by Employment Type and the Supplementary Survey on the Economically Active Population differ in terms of their survey targets, samples, and methods of wage measurement. Therefore, each set of figures must be interpreted separately in accordance with the criteria of the respective survey and should not be simply added together or averaged."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.moel.go.kr/news/enews/report/enewsView.do?news_seq=19659","title":"Ministry of Employment and Labor Press Release: Proposed Minimum Wage for 2027 Set at 10,700 Won Per Hour","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.moel.go.kr/info/lawinfo/instruction/view.do?bbs_seq=20260700602","title":"Ministry of Employment and Labor Notice: Proposed Minimum Wage for 2027","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.minimumwage.go.kr/minWage/process/main.do","title":"Minimum Wage Commission: The Process for Deliberating and Determining the Minimum Wage","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsInfoP.do?lsId=000129\u0026urlMode=lsInfoP","title":"National Law Information Center: Minimum Wage Act","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.moel.go.kr/mainpop2.do","title":"Ministry of Employment and Labor: Guidelines for Preparing Standard Employment Contracts and Information on the Minimum Wage and Weekly Rest Day Allowance","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260618168951530","title":"Yonhap News: 2027 Minimum Wage to Be Applied Uniformly Across All Sectors","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260623145800530","title":"Yonhap News: Initial Proposal for the 2027 Minimum Wage","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":207,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTk5MiwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--06daf8d08c6698767517c54f8eaec2e0b0eb7b7d/ChatGPT%20Image%202026%E1%84%82%E1%85%A7%E1%86%AB%207%E1%84%8B%E1%85%AF%E1%86%AF%2017%E1%84%8B%E1%85%B5%E1%86%AF%20%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A9%E1%84%92%E1%85%AE%2004_35_40.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"upload","mime_type":"image/webp","original_filename":"ChatGPT Image 2026년 7월 17일 오후 04_35_40.png","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"회의와 투표, 급여 봉투와 동전, 상승 화살표, 달력과 시계로 표현한 최저임금 적용 과정","caption":"최저임금 인상 결정부터 급여 반영과 시행 일정까지의 흐름을 상징적으로 보여준다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Minimum wage process shown with a vote, payroll envelope, coins, rising arrow, calendar and clock","caption":"The illustration visualizes the path from a wage-setting vote to higher pay and scheduled implementation.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"投票会議、給与封筒、硬貨、上向き矢印、カレンダーと時計で示す最低賃金の適用過程","caption":"最低賃金の引き上げ決定から給与への反映、施行日程までの流れを表している。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Proceso del salario mínimo con votación, sobre de nómina, monedas, flecha ascendente, calendario y reloj","caption":"La ilustración representa la decisión del aumento salarial, su reflejo en la nómina y el calendario de aplicación.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Proses upah minimum dengan rapat pemungutan suara, amplop gaji, koin, panah naik, kalender, dan jam","caption":"Ilustrasi ini menggambarkan alur dari penetapan kenaikan upah hingga pembayaran dan jadwal penerapannya.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Processo do salário mínimo com votação, envelope de pagamento, moedas, seta ascendente, calendário e relógio","caption":"A ilustração mostra a decisão do reajuste salarial, seu reflexo na folha e o cronograma de aplicação.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"以投票會議、薪資信封、硬幣、上升箭頭、日曆與時鐘呈現最低工資實施流程","caption":"插圖象徵最低工資調升從表決、薪資換算到依時程生效的完整流程。","description":null}}},{"id":208,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTk5OSwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--c7621fd3b7d6b765ca800ea3fa65c44db6371558/ChatGPT%20Image%202026%E1%84%82%E1%85%A7%E1%86%AB%207%E1%84%8B%E1%85%AF%E1%86%AF%2017%E1%84%8B%E1%85%B5%E1%86%AF%20%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A9%E1%84%92%E1%85%AE%2005_39_20.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"upload","mime_type":"image/webp","original_filename":"ChatGPT Image 2026년 7월 17일 오후 05_39_20.png","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"급여 명세서와 시계, 동전, 보호 표시를 중심으로 사무실·매장·공장·카페 근로자를 연결한 구성","caption":"근무시간과 고용 조건에 따라 급여가 계산되며 최저임금이 다양한 사업장에 적용되는 모습을 보여준다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Payroll sheet, clock, coins and compliance shields connected to office, retail, factory and café workers","caption":"The illustration shows wages being calculated from working time and applied across different workplaces.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"給与明細、時計、硬貨、保護マークを中心にオフィス・店舗・工場・カフェの労働者を結ぶ構成","caption":"労働時間や雇用条件に応じて賃金が計算され、最低賃金が幅広い職場に適用される様子を示す。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Nómina, reloj, monedas y símbolos de cumplimiento conectados con trabajadores de oficina, tienda, fábrica y cafetería","caption":"La ilustración muestra cómo el salario se calcula según el tiempo trabajado y se aplica en distintos lugares de trabajo.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Slip gaji, jam, koin, dan simbol kepatuhan terhubung dengan pekerja kantor, toko, pabrik, dan kafe","caption":"Ilustrasi ini menunjukkan perhitungan upah berdasarkan waktu kerja serta penerapannya di berbagai tempat kerja.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Folha de pagamento, relógio, moedas e símbolos de conformidade ligados a trabalhadores de escritório, loja, fábrica e café","caption":"A ilustração mostra o cálculo do salário conforme as horas trabalhadas e sua aplicação em diferentes locais de trabalho.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"薪資單、時鐘、硬幣與合規盾牌連結辦公室、商店、工廠及咖啡店工作者","caption":"插圖呈現薪資依工時與工作條件計算，並將最低工資適用於不同類型的工作場所。","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-07-17T18:04:41+09:00","updated_at":"2026-07-17T18:04:41+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/2027-korea-minimum-wage-10700-won-guide"}