What Is the Average Salary in Korea for Foreign Workers?
A Korean Local’s Realistic Guide
If you’re considering working in South Korea, one of the first questions that naturally comes up is about money. How much do foreign workers actually earn here, and is it enough to live comfortably?
As a Korean local who regularly talks to foreigners living and working in Korea, I want to give you a realistic picture. Not just numbers, but context. Salaries in Korea depend heavily on what kind of work you do, where you live, and how well you understand the system.
The National Average Salary in Korea
To start with a baseline, the average monthly salary for workers in South Korea sits around the mid-3 million won range. This figure includes everyone, from entry-level employees to experienced professionals, so it’s more of a reference point than a promise.
For foreigners, the experience often looks slightly different.
How Much Do Foreign Workers Usually Earn?
Many foreign workers in Korea earn between 2 million and 3 million won per month, especially those in entry-level, service, manufacturing, or teaching positions.
That doesn’t mean foreigners are underpaid by default. It simply reflects the types of jobs most foreigners initially enter when they come to Korea.
Foreign professionals in specialized fields often earn more, sometimes significantly more.
Salary Differences by Job Type
English Teachers
Teaching English is one of the most common jobs for foreigners in Korea. Monthly salaries usually range from 2.0 to 2.7 million won, often with benefits like housing support, airfare reimbursement, and contract completion bonuses.
These jobs are popular because they offer stability and relatively predictable income, especially for first-time expats.
Corporate and Skilled Professional Jobs
Foreigners working in IT, engineering, finance, marketing, or research roles tend to earn higher salaries. Monthly pay can start above 3 million won and increase with experience, industry demand, and company size.
Multinational companies and global startups are more likely to offer competitive salaries and flexible work environments.
Manufacturing, Construction, and Service Jobs
Foreign workers in physical labor or service industries often earn closer to 2 million won per month, sometimes supplemented by overtime or bonuses.
These jobs may not pay as much, but they often provide consistent work and basic benefits.
Why Location Matters So Much
Where you live in Korea has a huge impact on how far your salary goes.
Living in Seoul
Seoul offers the most job opportunities, but it’s also the most expensive place to live. Rent, dining out, and entertainment costs add up quickly.
A salary that feels comfortable in a smaller city may feel tight in Seoul unless housing support is included.
Outside of Seoul
In smaller cities or regional areas, living costs are lower. Many foreign workers find it easier to save money outside the capital, even on modest salaries.
Experience and Skills Matter More Than Nationality
One important thing to understand is that Korean employers focus more on skills and experience than where you’re from.
A foreign worker with strong qualifications and experience can earn as much as, or sometimes more than, a Korean employee in the same role.
Language skills also matter. Even basic Korean can improve communication at work and increase your value to employers.
Is the Salary Enough to Live Comfortably?
For many foreigners, the answer is yes — but expectations matter.
A monthly salary between 2.5 and 3 million won can support a comfortable lifestyle if you budget wisely. You may not live luxuriously, but daily life, transportation, food, and healthcare are generally affordable.
Saving money is possible, especially if housing is provided or subsidized.
What Many Expats Learn After Moving
Many foreigners arrive expecting a single “average salary” number. What they discover instead is that Korea’s job market is layered.
Your salary depends on:
- Your industry
- Your experience level
- Your location
- Your language ability
- Your visa type
Once you understand this, salary discussions become much clearer and less stressful.
Final Thoughts from a Korean Local
So, what is the average salary in Korea for foreign workers?
Most earn somewhere between 2 million and 3 million won per month, while skilled professionals often earn more. The national average is higher, but it includes a wide range of jobs and experience levels.
Korea rewards preparation. Foreigners who understand the job market, improve their language skills, and choose positions carefully tend to do well both financially and personally.
If you’re planning to work here, focus less on averages and more on where you fit within the system. That mindset will serve you far better in the long run.