Detailed Breakdown Of Average Salary in South Korea: 2025-26 Guide

Considering your career planning in South Korea? This is one of the best ways to enhance your personal and professional life. South Korea’s economy has grown significantly, and wages reflect the country’s economic advancement. Before shifting to South Korea, let’s break down the average salary in South Korea with different factors such as education, experience level, specialisation, cities, and top job roles.

South Korea has the 4th largest economy in Asia and is home to global brands like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. The country’s advanced technology sector, strong exports, and investment-friendly policies make it an excellent choice for job seekers. For a more detailed average salary in South Korea, refer to this article. Hope we will provide you with the best information to use different reliable salary sources.

What is the Average Salary in South Korea?

The average salary in South Korea reflects a diverse earning spectrum across industries, offering insight into the country’s economic landscape. The average annual salary is approximately KRW 46,680,900, translating to a monthly average of KRW 3,890,075. On the lower end, salaries start at an annual minimum of KRW 11,794,200, which equates to KRW 982,850 per month.

At the upper end, professionals can earn as much as KRW 208,801,000 annually or KRW 17,400,083 monthly, depending on their field, expertise, and experience level. These figures showcase the financial opportunities available in South Korea, highlighting its potential as an attractive destination for both local and international professionals seeking competitive compensation packages.

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Average Salary in South Korea By Experience Level

Fresh graduates and junior employees earn lower salaries but see rapid growth. Leadership roles and advanced skills significantly boost earnings. High salaries come with director, VP, and C-level positions.

Experience is a major determinant of salary levels in South Korea. As professionals gain expertise, they receive higher wages, bonuses, and additional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary in South Korea by experience:

Experience Level	Average Salary Per Year
Junior Level	KRW 42,500,000
Mid-Career	KRW 52,400,000
Senior Level	KRW 75,300,000
Top Management	KRW 110,200,000

Average Salary in South Korea By Education Level

University graduates earn nearly 80% more than high school diploma holders. A Master’s degree boosts salaries by 66% compared to a Bachelor’s degree. STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) offer the highest salary increases with higher education.

In South Korea, educational attainment significantly influences earning potential, with higher degrees generally correlating with increased salaries. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary in South Korea by education level:

Education Level	Average Salary Per Year
High School & Certificate	KRW 19,400,000
Bachelor’s Degree	KRW 35,100,000
Master’s Degree	KRW 58,300,000

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Average Salary in South Korea By Gender

Men earn an average of 6.1% more than women in South Korea. Male employees generally earn more than female employees across most industries. The gender pay gap is wider in senior-level positions, where men occupy more executive roles. Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) roles offer the highest-paying jobs in South Korea.

In South Korea, a significant gender pay gap persists, with female workers earning substantially less than their male counterparts. Here’s an overview of the average salary in South Korea by gender:

Gender	Average Salary Per Year
Male	KRW 47,880,300
Female	KRW 45,119,800

Average Salary in South Korea By Regions

Salaries in South Korea vary significantly by region, depending on economic development, industry presence, and cost of living. Major metropolitan areas like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon offer higher wages due to the concentration of multinational companies, financial institutions, and tech industries. In contrast, smaller cities tend to have lower salaries but also a lower cost of living.

In South Korea, average annual salaries vary across regions, reflecting economic activities, cost of living, and industry presence in each area. Here’s an overview of the average salary in South Korea by various cities:

Regions	Average Salary Per Year
Bucheon	KRW 43,198,900
Busan	KRW 51,479,800
Daegu	KRW 49,561,800
Daejeon	KRW 48,721,100
Goyang	KRW 45,119,800
Gwangju	KRW 47,758,300
Ulsan	KRW 46,080,100
Suwon	KRW 46,921,300
Seoul	KRW 52,319,400
Seongnam	KRW 44,040,700
Incheon	KRW 50,519,600

Average Salary in South Korea By Sector

The average salary in South Korea by sector highlights how earnings differ across industries like IT, healthcare, finance, and education. This breakdown helps professionals understand which fields offer the best pay and career growth.

In South Korea, workers in the public sector make about 6% more than those in the private sector for the same position. Here’s an overview of the average salary in South Korea based on sector:

Sector	Average Salary Per Year
Public Sector	KRW 47,880,300
Private Sect	KRW 45,239,100

Top Growing Industries in South Korea

Choose industries with high demand and growth potential to maximise your salary in South Korea. Key sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering provide lucrative job opportunities, with salaries ranging from KRW 40M to KRW 150M per year, depending on experience and industry.

South Korea’s economy is characterised by dynamic growth across several key industries, each contributing significantly to the nation’s economic development. Here are some of the top growing sectors:

• Finance
• Architecture
• Sales & Business Development
• Marketing / Advertising
• Information Technology
• Healthcare
• Insurance
• Customer Service
• Human Resources
• Construction
• Transport
• Hospitality

Average Salary in South Korea By Industry

Many companies in South Korea offer performance-based bonuses, meaning experienced employees have higher earning potential beyond their base salary.

In South Korea, average salaries vary significantly across industries, reflecting the diverse economic landscape of the country. Here’s an overview of the average salary in South Korea in several popular industries:

Industries	Average Salary Per Year
Human Resources	KRW 30,680,000
Healthcare	KRW 67,000,000
Information Technology	KRW 39,280,000
Engineering	KRW 40,950,000
Automobile	KRW 51,000,000
Marketing	KRW 32,000,000
Finanace	KRW 30,200,000
Medical	KRW 40,400,000

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In conclusion, the average salary in South Korea offers competitive pay across industries, with earnings varying by profession, experience, and location. Understanding these salary trends helps job seekers and professionals plan their careers better in one of Asia’s strongest economies.

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This was all about the average salary range in South Korea. For more information about South Korea, follow Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad.

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