Employer costs for an employee in South Korea

International hiring introduces a whole new set of labor and tax laws that get complicated, fast. Deel handles all the local benefits, payroll, taxes, and compliance when hiring an international employee.

South Korea boasts a vibrant and innovative landscape, driven by its advanced technological infrastructure and a highly educated workforce. Tapping into this dynamic market offers access to exceptional talent, particularly in fields such as engineering, IT, and design.

But even if you offer two candidates the same salary, the cost of each employee varies from country to country due to unique tax rates, healthcare requirements, and more. We estimated the total cost employers can expect when they hire an employee with a $100,000 salary in South Korea.

For an interactive experience, try our new Employee Cost Calculator

How to use the guide

This guide gives you a ballpark estimate of the mandatory employer cost of hiring an employee in South Korea, such as your required contributions for Workers' Compensation Insurance 산재보험 and National Pension 국민연금.

The final costs may differ from the provided estimates for a few reasons. Some countries assess tax by income levels, some have caps on total tax, some change based on particular industries, and some rates vary based on your employee’s city or region.

Also, since currency exchange rates fluctuate, salary costs can shift from month to month if you pay in a different base currency.

Your estimate generally doesn’t include costs for vacation, sick pay, private health insurance, and other employer-provided benefits. Onboarding expenses are also not included.