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Labor Contract, Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027, Pay Statement

Last checked: 2026-11-03

This article was translated by AI. If anything differs, the Korean original prevails. Read the Korean original

Before you start work, sign a labor contract (근로계약서) and get one copy. It becomes the most important record if a problem comes up later. Also check that your hourly pay is not below the minimum wage.

What the contract must include

The company must give you a contract with these details even if you do not ask for it. An electronic document is also fine. When the details change, they must tell you again.

If you work short hours, like a part-timer, the contract must also state the days you work and the hours you work each day. Before you sign, be sure to ask about anything you do not understand.

• Wages: amount, components, how they are calculated, how they are paid, and the payday
• Working hours and break times
• Days off (holidays)
• Paid annual leave
• Contract period, workplace, and the work you will do

Minimum wage amounts

The Ministry of Employment and Labor (고용노동부) announced the 2027 amount on August 5, 2026. The 209 hours a month is based on 40 hours a week plus paid weekly rest hours.

• January 1 to December 31, 2026: 10,320 won per hour. Daily pay for 8 hours: 82,560 won. Monthly pay for 209 hours: 2,156,880 won.
• January 1 to December 31, 2027: 10,700 won per hour. Daily pay for 8 hours: 85,600 won. Monthly pay for 209 hours: 2,236,300 won.

Rules to know

• The same minimum wage amount applies regardless of industry.
• Any part set lower than the minimum wage is invalid, even if you agreed to it.
• A probationary worker (수습) with a contract of 1 year or more can be paid up to 10% less for the first 3 months. Simple labor work cannot be reduced even during probation.
• If you work 15 hours or more a week and attend every day you were scheduled that week, you get a paid weekly rest day (주휴일).
• Some exceptions apply, such as workplaces that employ only relatives living together, domestic workers, and seafarers.

Checking your pay statement

Every time they pay you, the company must give you a pay statement (임금명세서) on paper or as an electronic document. If they do not, the company can be fined.

• Information that identifies you, such as your name
• The payday and the total wages
• The amount for each item
• If the amount changes with days or hours worked, how it is calculated
• The amount for each deduction and the total deductions

If there is a problem

1. Save your contract, pay statements, bank records, and records of your working hours.
2. Calculate your hourly pay and compare it with the minimum wage.
3. Call the Ministry of Employment and Labor Customer Counseling Center (고용노동부 고객상담센터) for advice. The labor office (고용노동관서) decides whether there is a violation.

Official sources

• 최저임금위원회: 연도별 최저임금 결정현황 (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 고용노동부 보도자료: 2027년도 적용 최저임금 시간급 10,700원 (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 고용노동부: 2027년 적용 최저임금 고시 (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 고용노동부 노동포털: 최저임금제도 (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 찾기쉬운 생활법령정보: 최저임금 (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 찾기쉬운 생활법령정보: 외국인근로자 임금(E-9, H-2 최저임금) (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 고용노동부: 근로계약서 안내 (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 고용노동부 자주하는 질문: 근로조건의 서면명시 (Checked: 2026-11-03)
• 찾기쉬운 생활법령정보: 임금대장 작성 및 임금명세서 교부 (Checked: 2026-11-03)

This is general information. Your situation may differ, so please confirm with the official agency. Report a mistake

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