Korea Take-Home Pay for Foreigners 2026: Tax, Insurance and Pension

Checked on 2026-11-02

Your take-home pay in Korea is your gross salary minus income tax and social insurance. Most deductions work the same way for Koreans and foreigners, but some insurance rules depend on your visa and your home country.

Worked example: ₩40 million a year

This assumes a ₩200,000 non-taxable meal allowance and no dependents. If employment insurance or the pension does not apply to you, your figure will be higher.

Which insurance applies to you

• Health insurance: registered foreigners employed at a covered workplace generally join as workplace members. Daily workers hired for less than one month and employees contracted to work fewer than 60 hours a month are generally excluded.
• National Pension: foreign residents aged 18 to 59 generally join, unless your home country does not offer Koreans an equivalent pension. A social security agreement can change this.
• Employment insurance: this depends on your visa. F-2, F-5 and F-6 holders are covered like Koreans. Some other statuses, including E-7, join only by applying. E-9 and H-2 workers are insured, but unemployment and parental benefits need a separate application.
• Workers' compensation: your employer pays this in full.

The 19% flat tax option

Foreign employees who first start working in Korea by 31 December 2026 can choose a flat 19% income tax instead of the standard rates, for up to 20 years. It does not apply to day workers or to work for certain related companies. You must apply, and you give up non-taxable items, deductions and credits, apart from a limited welfare benefit exception. On a modest salary the standard method is usually cheaper, so compare both before you apply.

Can you get your pension back?

Foreigners can claim a lump-sum refund only in certain cases: your home country gives Koreans an equivalent benefit, a social security agreement covers the refund, or you joined on E-8 (training employment), E-9 or H-2 status. Seasonal E-8 workers are not included. Having an agreement does not always mean a refund, so check your country with the National Pension Service before you leave.

Check these on your payslip

• Is your salary quoted before tax, and does it include severance? If severance is included, divide by 13 instead of 12.
• Are all three insurance deductions (pension, health, employment) listed, or is one missing because of your visa?
• Which tax method does your employer use?

Official sources

• Easy Law: four social insurances for foreign workers (as of 2026-10-15)
• National Pension Service: social security agreements
• Restriction of Special Taxation Act, Article 18-2 (flat tax for foreign workers)

This is general information based on public laws and government pages, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change, so confirm with the agency concerned. Spotted a mistake? Tell us