A country with accelerated economic development cannot but attract investors and those who want to make money. South Korea has recently become in demand among labor migrants. Production is developing in the country, tourism is progressing, and trade is improving. The average salary in South Korea exceeds similar indicators in the CIS countries and Eastern Europe. There are more and more people wishing to find a job in the country. But you need to be careful when looking for work; there are unscrupulous companies that take advantage of people’s naivety.
Economic situation in the country
In the post-war period, the South Korean economy was in a deplorable state. Regular investments and anti-crisis steps helped improve the situation. Every year there is economic growth. Development is taking place in all directions. South Korea is one of the twenty countries with developed economies.
The GDP per capita is 27 thousand dollars. Over the past 50 years, it has risen exponentially. The post-war figure is $65. South Korea ranks fourth among Asian countries in terms of GDP. In the near future, an increase to 40 thousand dollars is predicted. This indicator will make the country a leader.
Economy, natural resources
The Korean economy is booming and continues to develop - this is the main reason for the constant increase in per capita income. In 2021, the country ranked 11th in the world in terms of GDP. Many industries are developing here. Litigation is one of the key areas of the economy - about 45% of the world market belongs to Korea. The country is actively developing the production of consumer goods that are exported. Cosmetics, dishes, clothing, and furniture are produced here. South Korea also supplies electronics and cars to the world market, which are of high quality and reasonable prices.
There are no large mineral deposits in Korea. Gold, iron ore, zinc, graphite, tungsten and silver are mined here in small quantities. It is the largest steel producer. Most of the resources are brought from abroad. Agriculture is actively developing. Various varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown here, but rice remains the main crop - it is sold abroad. Even chestnuts and mushrooms, which grow in huge quantities in local forests, are exported. Fisheries are an important component of the Korean economy. Off the coast of Korea, shrimp, squid, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are harvested.
Gyeongju, South Korea
Salary rates
In South Korea, there is a large gap between the average and minimum income levels. Calculations by the OECD show the average to be $22,000 per year. Salaries in South Korea for the middle stratum are 36 thousand.
Taxes paid by wealthy citizens are six times higher than income from the poor.
Among the population aged 15 to 64, only 66% are employed. This figure is below average. South Korea has a high unemployment rate among the local population, while providing opportunities for some foreigners to find employment.
Minimum wage
Many companies accept hourly wages. For unskilled workers it is very low. The country is accustomed to working without breaks and with a minimum number of days off. The lowest wage is $7 per hour. To live for a month, one person needs to receive at least $1050. This amount includes housing, food and transportation costs.
The government decided to reduce the working week to 52 hours.
This measure should increase the birth rate. Before the decision was made, the Koreans worked for 68 hours. Minimum wage workers fear the measure will reduce their income.
average salary
The average salary in South Korea is around $2,900. This is only 100 units less than in Japan. By comparison, the average monthly income in China is $850.
With an average salary you can lead a decent life. The annual income in large companies is $58,000, and in small companies it is $32,000.
In the country, the average salary for beginning specialists is called the starting salary. There are gender disparities in certain industries. A young man receives 800 dollars, and a woman – 700. For wages to rise to 1000, you need to work for several years.
Maximum salary
To earn $10,000 or more, you must have a higher education and a good position. Such income has:
- heads of higher educational institutions;
- general director of production;
- pilot;
- civil servant and deputy;
- plastic surgeon;
- High-class IT specialist.
In order for a migrant worker to get such a place, he has to work hard. Many positions are available only to citizens of the country, despite the fact that the choice of specialists is quite democratic.
Standard of living of ordinary citizens
According to the reviews of our compatriots who left for permanent residence in this Asian state, the standard of living in South Korea is high, but prices for food, utilities, and housing are far from low. Compared to China, everything is more expensive here, but cheaper than in Japan. Life in South Korea through the eyes of Russians really seems expensive. Compatriots who want to emigrate here, and tourists who are planning a long trip around the country, are advised to learn to save and start counting money.
The life of ordinary people in South Korea is different in major and provincial areas. In the capital, salaries are higher, so the standard of living of ordinary people here is higher. In poor areas, people often cannot afford to buy necessary goods. The staple food in many poor Korean families is rice. Bread in South Korea costs about 130 rubles, 1 liter of milk - 124, 12 pcs. eggs – 163 rubles, 1 kg of cheese – 850 rubles, 1 kg of potatoes – 135 rubles, 1 kg of chicken meat – 260 rubles.
Not all Koreans can afford the luxury of living in their own apartment. In different parts of the country, 1 sq. m of real estate will cost $5000-8500. Many people have to live in rented housing. A month's rent costs $370-700.
In South Korea, it is customary to treat subordinates as partners and cooperate on mutually beneficial terms. If an employee fulfills the main requirement - he works conscientiously - the employer will treat him with respect. This is often discussed on forums where Russians tell their compatriots how people live in South Korea. High salaries and respectful treatment of workers today are one of the reasons for increased migration to the Asian country.
In Korea, special attention is paid to appearance. A Korean would rather save on food, but buy himself fashionable clothes and shoes. Even local residents, and even more so migrants, find it difficult to find high-paying jobs due to high competition. Connections and acquaintances decide a lot here.
Korean citizens pay local and national taxes, the highest of which are income tax and VAT. There are also taxes on facelifts, breast augmentation and some other procedures. High payments ensure the implementation of numerous social programs. Here they receive payments from the state for the birth of a child, unemployment benefits and disability benefits.
South Korean medicine is a standard of quality not only in Asia, but throughout the world. According to reviews, operations are performed here and medical services are provided at the same level as in leading European clinics. In Korea, modern technologies are actively introduced and the basics of traditional medicine are not forgotten. This explains the high life expectancy. Retirees live on average to 82 years.
After retirement, older people lead an active lifestyle, travel a lot, and some continue to work. Love of work is a distinctive feature of the Korean mentality. In this modern, developed state, centuries-old customs and traditions are treated with great respect. The main value for a Korean is family. All decisions are made by the man, but he treats his wife with respect and takes into account her opinion. In Korea, a man who does not have a family is not complete. Divorces are very rare, because the dissolution of a marriage is considered a disgrace for the entire family.
Here it is customary to treat elders with respect and obey their will unquestioningly, while older people are allowed everything. Russians, telling how people live in South Korea, will ask you not to be surprised by some strange questions that may be asked here. A Korean can easily ask a stranger about his income level, origin, nationality, age, marital status, education. Koreans explain their curiosity simply: they must learn a lot about a person in order to know how to treat him.
Salaries by profession in 2021
In South Korea, there is no additional payment that bypasses the tax system. Employers do not focus on the national composition of their employees.
The main condition for long-term cooperation is hard work and diligence. How much one earns in South Korea depends on the personal qualities of the specialist, the field of activity and the position held.
| Profession | Average salary in dollars per month |
| Advertising agency employee | 3000 |
| Police officer | 4000 |
| Administrator | 3500 |
| Cleaning company employee | 1500 |
| Nursing staff | 1800 |
| Travel agency employee | 3300 |
| Taxi driver | 50 per day |
| Sales Manager | 3500 |
| Loader | 1500 |
| HR Manager | 3500 |
| Heavy truck driver | 3000 |
| Welder | 2900 |
| Worker | 1500 |
| Lawyer | 4000 |
| All construction specialties | 2000 |
| Programmer | 4000 |
| Engineering specialties | 3500 |
| Guide | 2500 |
| Firefighter | 3500 |
| School teacher | 2800 |
| Electrician | 3000 |
| Locomotive driver | 3200 |
| Nanny | 5 per hour |
| Salesman | 2500 |
| Hotel room service | 1900 |
| Economist | 2900 |
| Doctor | 3000 |
| Dentist | 3500 |
| Manager | 7000 |
| Banker | 9000 |
Obtaining a visa to enter the South Caucasus: procedure
To travel to this Asian state for a period of no more than two months to meet relatives or for tourism purposes, Russians do not require a visa. If a foreigner goes to Korea to work or study for a long period of time, he needs to obtain an entry permit.
Long-term visas of categories D, E, H can be obtained by foreigners who:
- receive education at Korean universities;
- receive a scientific degree or undergo an internship;
- are on a long business trip;
- found an official job.
First, the receiving party - employer, educational institution, relative - submits an application to the country's Immigration Service. After this, the applicant submits the following documents to the country’s diplomatic mission:
- international passport and copies of all its pages;
- a copy of the canceled passport;
- questionnaires in English and Korean;
- photo 35x45 mm.
A visa can be issued within ten days to a month. The cost of a one-time long-term mark is $90. To issue a multiple-type permit, you need to pay $120.
Visa to South Korea
Salary by city and region
When calculating wages, not only the specialist’s qualification level and position, but also the region are of great importance. Closer to the capital, salaries are much higher. The average salary for a worker in Seoul is one thousand dollars. In the provinces it is exactly half as much.
In the south of the country, salaries are higher than in the north. When choosing a place for labor migration, you need to pay attention to the locality and region. For comparison, the average salary in North Korea is no more than $500 per month.
Salary taxes
Despite the fact that many workers have a small income, they must pay up to 20% to the treasury every month. The tax is divided into local and national. The first includes payments:
- regional for the development of the region, as well as a license fee;
- to the city treasury, for registration and excise tax on tobacco products.
The national treasury receives deductions from profits, donations and corporate ones. Such payments are called direct payments. Indirect taxes are levied on telephone use, transport and value added. Also, payroll taxes go to the national treasury.
Paying income tax
In the country, the tax rate depends on the salary received. It can reach up to 40% of total income. Why does South Korea tax almost half of one's salary? The rate depends on the income received:
- a quarter of the average salary – 6%;
- more than a quarter – 15%;
- 1-2 average salaries – 24%;
- 2-6 average salaries – 35%;
- more than 6 – 40%.
Thus, income tax depends on monthly income. The strict deduction system does not allow you to avoid payments.
Social contributions and other taxes
In addition to income tax, working citizens make a number of other payments. They also depend on standard of living and income. The provided taxation system includes a number of points:
- for VAT – 10%;
- for real estate – from 0.5 to 2%;
- for social insurance – 8.4%;
- on profit - from 10 to 22%;
- for luxury goods in the form of airplanes and yachts - from 4 to 12%.
The last category is divided into basic and luxury. Since exports are developing in the country, the government decided to provide benefits to citizens. Discounts are provided for indirect taxes for manufacturers who produce goods for the foreign market. Profit tax for export operations has been reduced by half.
Salary to living expenses ratio
If we compare earnings in South Korea and incomes in the CIS countries, the latter will clearly lose. At the same time, the standard of living corresponds to European countries. The cost of housing and food is comparable to Moscow or St. Petersburg. In some regions they are twice as high as in Russia. The required basket of products looks like this:
- bread – 4 dollars;
- dairy products – 5;
- meat products – 8;
- berries and fruits from 1 to 3.
You can have lunch in a cafe for 7 dollars, and dinner in a restaurant will cost 35. The desire to dress in branded items is expensive.
The main expenses go to housing. Even a small apartment in the suburbs will cost $400. In a residential area, its cost increases to 1000, and in the center - to 1800. Payment for utilities takes another 200 USD. Migrant workers are given collapsible houses, so they can save on housing.
Travel on public transport costs 1 dollar, and by taxi – 8. South Korean medicine falls into the expensive category. Without compulsory insurance, it would be difficult to improve your health. The most expensive surgeries are heart valve and plastic replacement.
Relocation opportunities for Russians
In 2014, Russian citizens were given the opportunity to enter South Korea without a visa for a period of no more than two months. Many Russians take advantage of this to prepare the ground for their move. During this time, some manage to choose an institute for study, find an employer, and pass an interview. If a person leaves without a visa, then he has no right to find a job or study - this is important! Russian girls who plan to marry a Korean during this time get to know his family and prepare for the wedding. Ancient Korean traditions condemn civil marriage, so in order to live together, a couple needs to formalize the relationship.
To obtain a long-term visa with a package of documents, apply to the Korean consulates, which are located in Vladivostok, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk. For the convenience of residents of our large country, Korean consuls also accept documents in Rostov-on-Don, Volgograd, Kazan, Krasnodar, Astrakhan, and Yekaterinburg.
Unemployment rate and prospects for migrants in Korea
Over the past 4 years, the unemployment rate has been increasing in the country. In just a few months it rose by 0.4 points, from 3.6 to 4%. Foreigners with higher education can find a decent place. But this requires knowledge of the language and outstanding work results.
Most often, foreigners become workers. In this case, the salary in Korea for Russians is 1000 dollars with a living wage of 1050.
How much labor achievements will be assessed depends on patience and hard work, as well as the time spent at one enterprise. Working in South Korea can pay good dividends if you work for several years and strive for career growth. The average payment is considered to be from $3,000. Both migrants and local residents strive for this income.
Minimum salary in Korea in 2021 per month
In 2021, the minimum wage in South Korea will be increased by 10.9% compared to 2021. The minimum payment will be 8,350 won (451.11 rubles) per hour. For full-time workers (standard 40-hour week), the minimum monthly salary will be 1 million 745 thousand won (RUB 88,941). This is mainly paid to workers in the service sector.
Overtime (after 17:30) and night shifts are paid at a rate of 1.5 times the minimum rate. When working on weekends or holidays, payment is calculated at a double rate. There are bonuses for hourly workers if they do not miss a single day from Monday to Friday during the week or month. Bonus systems vary from company to company.
In 2021, the minimum wage was 7,530 won (407 rubles), which is 16.4% more than in 2017. The annual growth of the minimum wage is faster than inflation (1.5–2%). Both trade unions and employers were extremely dissatisfied with the insufficient increase this year. Professional associations demanded an increase in the minimum wage by 43% to 10,790 won (583 rubles). Employers insisted on keeping the figure at the 2021 level.
According to labor institute experts, only 12% of workers in Korea receive the minimum wage.
Foreigners more often occupy positions where qualifications are not required. The salary is higher than in Russia.
Alexandra Chagai told T-Z that a hotel maid earns 1.5–1.8 million won (81,090–97,308 rubles) per month, a worker at an enterprise receives 1.3–3.5 million won (70,289 -1,890,251 rubles), agricultural worker - at least 60 thousand won (3243 rubles) per day, fisherman - from 80 thousand won (4324 rubles) per day.
Green tea plantations in South Korea. The hard manual labor of pickers is paid at the minimum wage
Foreigners are treated friendly. But locals take a long time to get used to new people, so at work the newcomer is treated coldly at first, but after some time he becomes part of a close-knit team.
Summing up
Foreign citizens have the opportunity to find work in South Korea. With a higher education and knowledge of the language, a migrant can count on a highly paid position. University teachers, programmers and doctors specializing in plastic surgery and dentistry are highly valued in the country. The average salary of such specialists is 5000-7000 dollars.
Unskilled workers receive about 1000 USD. in Seoul and 500 in the province. Before contacting an employer, you need to weigh the pros and cons. When drawing up a contract, it is also recommended to check the clauses on social guarantees, working conditions and the proposed salary.
Living wage in South Korea
South Korea is an expensive country, accommodation prices are lower than in Japan, but higher than in China. Experts believe that due to the high cost, the tourism sector in Seoul and other cities is not developing well. After all, to come here and see popular attractions you will need good capital. Of course, the salary paid to the local population is commensurate with current expenses. The published minimum salary in 2021 is in won (KRW) - 2,271,200, in dollars (USD) - 1,901.
