Korea Take-Home Pay Calculator
Enter your annual salary in KRW to estimate your monthly net pay after National Pension, health insurance, employment insurance and income tax. Foreign workers can compare the standard tax method with the 19% flat tax option.
Results are estimates for reference only. Actual amounts may differ depending on your individual situation and the decisions of the relevant authorities. Income tax is estimated with an approximation of the progressive rates, not the official withholding table. Pension and insurance coverage can differ by nationality and visa type.
How take-home pay is calculated in Korea
Your gross monthly pay is your annual salary divided by 12. After excluding non-taxable pay (such as a meal allowance of up to KRW 200,000 a month), these deductions apply: National Pension 4.5%, health insurance 3.595% plus long-term care insurance (13.14% of the health premium), and employment insurance 0.9% (2026 rates). Income tax is then calculated on your taxable salary, and local income tax of 10% of the income tax is added.
See the tables of take-home pay by salary on the salary table page.
Monthly take-home pay by annual salary
Estimates for a single employee with no dependents, a KRW 200,000 monthly non-taxable meal allowance, and all four insurances. The 19% flat tax column assumes the foreign worker flat tax election.
| Annual salary | Standard tax | 19% flat tax |
|---|---|---|
| KRW 30 million | KRW 2,242,749 | KRW 1,801,550 |
| KRW 40 million | KRW 2,885,301 | KRW 2,381,822 |
| KRW 50 million | KRW 3,519,290 | KRW 2,962,094 |
| KRW 60 million | KRW 4,143,103 | KRW 3,542,366 |
| KRW 100 million | KRW 6,448,180 | KRW 5,932,903 |
| KRW 200 million | KRW 11,210,707 | KRW 12,110,621 |
Should you choose the 19% flat tax?
The flat tax gives up the earned income deduction, personal deductions and tax credits that reduce tax under the standard method. In our estimate it only pays off at high salaries (roughly above KRW 140 million a year). For most employees the standard method gives more take-home pay. You can compare both on the calculator above. Always confirm with your employer's payroll team, because the election is made through them and has specific conditions.
Where the deductions go
- National Pension (4.5%): Your share of the pension contribution, which your employer matches. Rules for foreign nationals, including refunds when leaving Korea, depend on your nationality and any agreement between Korea and your home country.
- Health insurance (3.595%) and long-term care: Mandatory for employees. Long-term care insurance is added as 13.14% of the health premium.
- Employment insurance (0.9%): Funds unemployment benefits. Coverage for foreign workers depends on visa type.
- Income tax and local income tax: Withheld monthly from your pay and settled in a year-end tax adjustment, which can produce a refund.
Ways to increase take-home pay
- Make sure tax-free allowances (meals up to KRW 200,000 a month, and a vehicle allowance in some cases) are listed separately in your contract.
- Register eligible dependents and submit year-end tax adjustment documents on time. Credit card spending, medical and education costs, and pension savings can reduce tax.
- Check whether a tax treaty between Korea and your home country gives you a tax exemption (for example for some students and teachers).
Frequently asked questions
How is take-home pay calculated in Korea?
Your gross monthly pay minus National Pension (4.5%), health insurance (3.595%) plus long-term care insurance (13.14% of the health premium), employment insurance (0.9%), and income tax plus local income tax (10% of income tax). Non-taxable allowances such as the monthly meal allowance of up to KRW 200,000 are excluded from the tax and insurance base.
What is the 19% flat tax for foreign workers?
Foreign employees can elect to pay a flat 19% income tax on their Korean-source salary instead of the progressive rates (6% to 45%). It applies to your total salary without the usual deductions and credits, so in our estimate it only pays off at high salaries (roughly above KRW 140 million a year). The election is made through your employer and can apply for up to 20 years from your first day of work in Korea.
Do foreigners pay National Pension and health insurance in Korea?
Foreign workers employed in Korea are generally enrolled in the 4 social insurances, but pension rules depend on your nationality and visa because of reciprocity and totalization agreements between countries. Check with the National Pension Service or your employer if you are unsure.
Is this the same as my actual paycheck?
It is an estimate. The calculator uses an approximation of the progressive tax rather than the official National Tax Service withholding table, and it excludes bonuses, overtime and individual deductions. Your payslip may differ by a small amount.