Make employment in South Korea easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in South Korea, all in one easy-to-use platform.
The Labour Standards Act 2005 establishes safeguards for employees and codifies workers’ rights for a labour force of 28.3 million. Workers in South Korea are protected from discrimination on the grounds of age, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression and race.
Typical queries that arise during recruitment concern the national minimum wage, overtime entitlements and statutory paid leave. Remote can help you provide a comprehensive, competitive and compliant benefits package to employees in South Korea.
From 1 January 2026 the minimum hourly rate in South Korea is 10,320.00 KRW.
Salaries are paid monthly, typically on the 25th or on the final day of the month.
We can help you onboard a new employee in South Korea swiftly.
Our team ensures your staff are onboarded and paid as promptly as possible while keeping your organisation compliant with local employment law. The minimum onboarding period begins once the employee has submitted all required information via the Remote platform. The overall timeline will also depend on registration with the relevant local authorities.
For employees who are not nationals of the country of employment, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) will add three days to the onboarding period. Additional time may be required if follow-up on the assessment is necessary.
Please note that payroll cut-off dates can affect the employee’s actual first pay date. Remote’s payroll cut-off is the 10th of the month unless otherwise specified.
Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
1 January 2026 | New Year's Day (설날) |
16 February 2026 | Korean New Year's Eve (새해 전야) |
17 February 2026 | Korean New Year's Day (한국의 설날) |
18 February 2026 | Second day of the Korean New Year (한국의 설날) |
1 March 2026 | Independence Movement Day (독립 운동의 날) |
5 May 2026 | Children's Day (어린이 날) |
24 May 2026 | Buddha's Birthday (부처님의 생일) |
6 June 2026 | Memorial Day (기념일) |
15 August 2026 | Liberation Day (광복절) |
24 September 2026 | Chuseok eve (추석 이브) |
25 September 2026 | Chuseok (추석) |
26 September 2026 | Second day of Chuseok (추석 둘째 날) |
3 October 2026 | National Foundation Day (전국 재단의 날) |
9 October 2026 | Korean Alphabet Day (한글의 날) |
25 December 2026 | Christmas Day (크리스마스 날) |
South Korea ranks among Asia’s most technologically advanced countries, with the modern city of Seoul anchoring a culture that prizes innovation and high standards. Employers seeking talent in manufacturing, professional services and technology will find a strong pool of qualified South Korean candidates.
Many workers in the country have experience with major multinationals, and since the pandemic flexible and home-based working arrangements have become widely accepted. Historically, South Korean business culture rewarded long office hours. A mix of younger entrants to the labour force and the widespread adoption of post-pandemic remote working has resulted in an increased emphasis on .
As the world’s tenth-largest economy, South Korea holds the seventh-highest human development index in Asia. It is an advanced democracy with substantial press freedoms, some of the fastest internet speeds globally, distinctive and celebrated cuisine, and a dynamic entertainment sector that brought K-Pop to international prominence.
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Official language
Currency
Population
Cost of living index
GDP real growth rate
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Ease of doing business
Want to employ people in South Korea? Companies hiring there typically need either a local legal entity or to engage a global employment platform like Remote that can legally provide employment services in the country.
Remote can employ team members in South Korea and keep you compliant. Remote can hire, onboard and pay your South Korea team so you do not have to establish local HR services in the region. Remote also makes it straightforward to pay contractors in South Korea. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.
Learn how employment taxes affect your payroll and your employees’ payslips in South Korea.
Employer
0.00%
Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance is calculated at 4.50% of the base monthly salary which is capped at 5,900,000.
0%
National Private medical insurance Contribution is calculated at 4% of the base monthly salary (NHI: 3.54% + LTCI 0.46%). A monthly cap of 3,653,550 applies.
0.00%
Employment insurance is calculated at 1.15% of the base monthly salary.
0.0000%
Long-term care Insurance is calculated at 0.4590% (12.95% of the NHI contribution rate) of the base monthly salary. A monthly cap of 3,653,550 applies.
Employee
0.0%
National Pension contribution
0.00%
National Private medical insurance
0.00%
Employment Insurance
Income tax rates
0.0%
Up to 12 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
0%
12 million - 46 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
0.0%
46 million - 88 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
0.0%
88 million - 150 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
0.0%
150 million - 300 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
0%
300 million - 500 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
0.0%
500 million - 1 billion KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
0.0%
1 billion and up (including 10% local residence tax)
Employees who have completed 80% (eighty percent) or more of a work year (twelve months) since starting employment. Employees who have worked for a month (every 30 days from the start date) but who have been continuously employed for less than one year, or who have completed under 80% of a year.
South Korea observes 17 paid public holidays.
Employers are not required to grant leave for illnesses unrelated to work; however, they are generally obliged to provide paid leave where an employee falls ill or is injured in the course of employment, and any sick pay provided may be recoverable from the government industrial accident insurance fund.
Female employees are entitled to 90 days’ maternity leave around childbirth, extended to 120 days in the case of multiple births. For single births, 60 of those days are paid; for multiple births, 75 days are paid. Mothers of infants under one year are entitled to at least 30 minutes’ nursing time each day.
Employers must grant a minimum of 10 days’ paid leave if requested within 90 days following an employee’s partner’s childbirth. Employees may also apply for up to one year of childcare leave for a child under eight years old, which the government compensates at KRW 1.7 million ($1,489.47).
Employees may apply to reduce their working hours to between 15 and 30 hours per week to focus on their studies, for a period of up to one year.
- Carers’ leave: Employees may take up to 90 days’ family-care leave per year to care for unwell family members – Childcare leave: A leave of absence of up to one year for a child under eight, or in the second grade or below at primary school. From 20 August 2026, eligible South Korean employees will be able to take a new short‑term childcare leave of one or two weeks (unpaid) for temporary childcare needs. - Family-care leave (unpaid): - Carers’ leave: employees may take up to 90 days’ family-care leave each year to care for ailing relatives - Fertility treatment leave: Three days per year; the first day of the leave is paid. - Menstrual leave (unpaid): Once a month, available on request from the employee.
Contracts of employment may only be brought to an end where there is a fair reason—examples include dishonesty, negligence, fraud or other workplace offences. In the absence of such cause, employers must give notice before dismissing an employee.
Bear in mind that dismissals in South Korea demand careful handling. Ending open-ended employment contracts (often referred to as a contract) without lawful reason can be challenging, so employers should follow the termination guidelines below:
Voluntary resignations: Employers must not dismiss staff without reason in South Korea. Where an employee resigns voluntarily, they should sign a document confirming the terms.
Contract expiry: Employers must give at least 30 days’ notice before terminating an employment agreement when the employee has served three months or longer. Generally, employment agreements for South Korean employees should not run for more than two years.
Probation termination: It is advisable to obtain a signed acknowledgement from the employee when terminating employment during a probationary period. If the employee refuses to sign, the employer should compile robust documentary evidence to support the dismissal.
Termination for cause: An employment contract may only be ended where a lawful reason is shown—such as dishonesty, negligence, fraud or other workplace offences. Where such cause is absent, employers must give notice in advance.
Misconduct: When dismissing an employee for poor performance or misconduct, employers should use an appropriate template. It must set out the alleged grounds and be supported by concrete evidence.
Employers must give a minimum of 30 days' notice prior to termination, except where the employee was engaged for under three months or has committed an intentional offence that materially harms the employer.
Workers who have completed at least one full year with an employer are entitled to severance pay equivalent to one month's salary for each year of continuous service.
The Labour Standards Act in Korea does not set out a specific rule for probationary periods. The statute does state that notice of termination is not required for "Employees under probationary period (of 3 months or less)", so probation typically lasts up to three months.
At Remote, we provide tailored benefits to ensure that all Remote employees receive comprehensive coverage from top providers.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance programme has been developed to meet your team’s particular needs, whether they take short business trips or travel frequently throughout the year. With five plan levels—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus and Standard Plus—this programme ensures team members receive an appropriate level of cover to protect their health, safety and welfare while travelling on business.
Available in more than 90 countries, the programme offers broad global cover at competitive rates, giving peace of mind regardless of where work takes them. This optional benefit is flexible, allowing you to tailor cover to meet the varied needs of your workforce. Providing business travel insurance helps protect your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, travel interruptions or loss of business equipment while on the move.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Providing private medical insurance in this country may not be mandatory, but offering comprehensive health benefits can materially improve your employees’ access to care—reducing waiting times and enabling faster access to high-quality providers. Through our Global Private medical insurance scheme, offered with a leading global insurer, Remote provides four plan options: Standard, Premium, Gold and Platinum. Standard supplies core inpatient and outpatient cover. Premium adds dental and optical benefits for broader care. Gold and Platinum increase coverage limits substantially and include additional services for those seeking more extensive protection. You can also choose to cover the employee alone or include their spouse/partner and children via our Family Coverage option—designed to suit the varied needs of your workforce. For further guidance on fair equity and benefits practice, you can download our Global Benefits Guide
here
!
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anaesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day-care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out-patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out-patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Maximum plan benefit: $3,500
Deductible: $135
Medical practitioner fees & prescription drugs: Up to $1,350
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $600
Non-prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $300
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 10 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Not covered
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $300
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Standard tier includes additional services such as an Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support) and Second Medical Opinion.
Not covered
Not covered
Co-pay: None
Outpatient deductible: $135
You may elect to cover dependants, providing protection for a spouse/partner and children.
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anaesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day-care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out-patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out-patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction: Up to $5,000
Gender dysphoria services: Up to $25,000 per lifetime
Maximum plan benefit: $5,060
Deductible: None
Medical practitioner fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $600
Non-prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 10 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Premium tier includes additional services such as an Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support) and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You may elect to cover dependants, providing protection for a spouse/partner and children.
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anaesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day-care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out-patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out-patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender dysphoria services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum plan benefit: $6,000
Deductible: None
Medical practitioner fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $1,275
Non-prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $300
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 20 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $300
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Gold tier includes additional services such as an Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support) and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You may elect to cover dependants, providing protection for a spouse/partner and children.
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anaesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day-care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out-patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $10,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $50,000
In-patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out-patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender dysphoria services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum plan benefit: $15,000
Deductible: None
Medical practitioner fees: Full coverege
Prescription drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $2,500
Non-prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 20 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 30 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $500
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Platinum tier includes additional services such as an Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support) and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $500, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You may elect to cover dependants, providing protection for a spouse/partner and children.
Offering life insurance is not mandatory in this country, but providing it can materially improve employees’ financial security and peace of mind. The Global Life Insurance product provides flexible cover levels from $50,000 to $600,000 to suit different company budgets and requirements. There are two options: The Basic Offering provides life insurance coverage; in the unfortunate event of an employee’s death, beneficiaries may receive up to six times the employee’s annual salary, subject to the selected cover limit so the payout will not exceed the chosen limit. The Comprehensive Offering at Remote combines Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Permanent Disability (PD) cover. For accidental death, dismemberment or permanent disability, compensation may be up to five times the employee’s annual salary, again capped at the selected cover limit. Note that in some countries insurance premium taxes may apply, meaning taxes could be payable by the company on monthly premiums for life insurance. Life insurance benefits may also be treated as 'Benefits in Kind' (BIK), so the monthly premiums paid could be counted as part of the employee’s taxable income under local law. When life insurance is offered it must be provided equally to all employees in the country.
Provides financial protection and security for beneficiaries following the death of an insured team member.
In the unfortunate event of a team member’s death, beneficiary compensation cannot exceed six times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower).
Example: See help article for details
Not covered
Not covered
Provides financial protection and security for beneficiaries following the death of an insured team member.
In the unfortunate event of a team member’s death, beneficiary compensation cannot exceed six times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower).
Offers financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of an insured team member’s accidental death or dismemberment.
Compensation cannot exceed five times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The precise payout depends on the injury as set out in the Accidental Dismemberment Table.
Designed to offer financial support to insured team members who suffer permanent and total or permanent and partial disabilities due to accident or illness.
Compensation cannot exceed five times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The insurer assesses the extent of permanent disability to determine the final payment:
Disabilities below 33.33%: No compensation
Disabilities between 33.33% and 66.67%: Compensation calculated as a percentage of the capped amount
Permanent disabilities exceeding 66.67%: Full capped compensation amount
For worked examples of how compensation is calculated for Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Permanent Disability, refer to the help article for details
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Providing mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but making them available can materially improve employee wellbeing and productivity. Remote offers a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform in partnership with a leading provider. The service is accessible via desktop and mobile apps and includes one-to-one therapy with a curated network of high-quality therapists in over 35 languages. An advanced matching service aims to find an appropriate therapist within 48 hours and reports a 98% success rate. Employees receive a personal wellbeing profile with bespoke recommendations and tools to track progress. The platform also contains a curated library of self-guided content—audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks and podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content for managers—plus 24/7 mental health helplines for immediate support. Mental health programme benefits are available across five plan levels. Offering these benefits is optional, but they can significantly boost employee wellbeing. In some countries mental health benefits may be considered 'Benefits in Kind' (BIK), meaning monthly premiums could be treated as taxable income under local law. When offered, mental health benefits must be provided equally to all employees in the country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Not included in the Basic plan
Team members can pay for therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes one pre-paid therapy/coaching session per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes three pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes six pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes twelve pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Clients may choose to offer the Wellness & Lifestyle Benefit and select from a range of contribution levels, providing their team members with a monthly wallet, usable with a virtual card at approved retailers, online stores or other approved vendors for lifestyle and wellness purchases. The services available include:
Physical and mental health support such as gym memberships, fitness classes, therapy, mindfulness apps and guided meditation.
Lifestyle services such as streaming subscriptions (Spotify, Netflix), groceries and other services that support work–life balance and personal wellbeing.
Personalised recommendations to help employees choose the benefits most relevant to them.
Platform support for employees requiring immediate assistance or guidance on wellness matters.
The available contribution levels are:
$25 USD
$50 USD
$100 USD
$150 USD
$200 USD
$250 USD
$300 USD
South Korea has a robust economy with key sectors in technology, automotive and manufacturing. Given specific employment laws and tax rules, employers must comply with local payroll requirements, including social security contributions, employment contracts and tax obligations. Familiarity with these regulations is essential for smooth payroll operations and legal compliance.
Employers in South Korea must follow national payroll regulations on wages, taxes and social contributions. The following provides an overview of key payroll elements:
Minimum wage: South Korea’s minimum wage is KRW 9,860 per hour.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are typically paid monthly.
Standard working hours: The normal workweek in South Korea is 40 hours, generally spread over five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to extra pay for overtime, calculated at 150% of the normal wage for additional hours and 200% for work on public holidays.
Personal income tax: South Korea operates a progressive income tax system with rates from 6% to 45%, depending on income level.
Employer contributions:
Employee contributions:
Corporate tax: The corporate income tax rate in South Korea ranges from 10% to 25% depending on taxable profits.
Tax reporting : Employers must file payroll taxes and contributions with the National Tax Service (NTS) and relevant social security bodies on a regular basis.
Employment contracts must be provided in writing and set out terms such as salary, working hours and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security, private medical insurance and income tax.
Employers must keep abreast of changes to South Korea’s employment and tax laws to avoid penalties.
Managing payroll in South Korea requires attention to tax rules, employment law and social security obligations. Employers must track tax rates, wage legislation and reporting timetables to ensure smooth payroll processing and avoid penalties.
The good news is you can pay anyone, anywhere — from staff in your office to employees overseas, all with Remote Payroll. To see how straightforward global payroll can be with Remote, book a demo today.
Hiring contractors in South Korea can be a strategic, cost-effective way to complete projects without the commitments associated with employing permanent staff. Whether engaging independent contractors for specialist work or subcontractors for labour-intensive tasks, it is important to understand South Korea’s employment laws and regulations.
Remote helps businesses remain compliant when hiring contractors internationally by offering:
Global compliance support: Ensures adherence to employment laws in 200+ countries with localised contracts and correct documentation.
Misclassification protection: Includes compliance checks and smooth contractor-to-employee conversion where required.
Centralised documentation: Maintains records for audits and automates tax filings.
Legal expertise: Provides guidance on complex local employment laws to simplify international hiring.
Remote’s streamlined approach reduces compliance risk and simplifies contractor management for businesses.
Remote simplifies contractor payments by offering:
Automated processing: One-click approvals, bulk payments, recurring invoices and real-time tracking.
Global coverage: Payments in 200+ countries, multiple payment methods and currency flexibility.
Cost and compliance: Fair price guarantee, built-in regional compliance and localised contracts.
Learn more about how Remote simplifies contractor management in South Korea — get started for free today.
Our employer of record (EOR) service lets you hire, manage and pay leading talent in South Korea with speed and simplicity.
Remote’s EOR enables your organisation to lawfully employ staff in South Korea without forming a local legal entity. On paper, Remote acts as the employer and handles compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity) and other HR processes — while you retain day-to-day operational control of the hire’s work and responsibilities. Learn more.
An EOR may be appropriate if your organisation:
Needs to hire employees in South Korea but doesn’t want to establish a legal entity
Is testing local markets before committing to full business expansion
Wants to ensure full compliance with local employment laws and tax obligations
Needs a fast, cost-effective way to onboard employees in South Korea
Requires a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity
If your organisation wants to recruit talent in South Korea but lacks a local legal presence, our EOR provides a fully compliant and efficient route. South Korea has strict employment and payroll tax regulations; our EOR service ensures you meet legal obligations while enabling rapid growth.
Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in South Korea include:
Faster market entry. You can recruit quickly without waiting months to establish a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Avoid legal risks tied to non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. We automate payroll tax calculations and keep you compliant with withholding obligations, even as laws change.
Lower costs. Setting up a legal entity in South Korea can be expensive and time-consuming. An EOR removes the need for entity registration, cutting overheads.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll and compliance handled by the EOR, your organisation can concentrate on scaling and redeploy resources elsewhere.
It’s also important to note that Remote owns its own legal entity in South Korea. Therefore we do not rely on third parties, which can cause delays, additional costs and a poorer employee experience. All our EOR services — including local specialist support — are delivered in-house.
To learn more — and to see our EOR platform in action — book a demo with one of our friendly experts today.
£559
per employee/month
Employ people in more than 90 countries without setting up a local legal entity
Onboarding overseen by a dedicated specialist
Local payroll paid promptly, every time
Built-in compliance protections
Competitive and flexible benefits, localised for each market
Dedicated in-house experts providing local support
HR Essentials included as standard
£23
per employee/month
A powerful, transparent solution for global payroll
An easy-to-use self-service platform
Dedicated specialists providing personalised support
Ensure compliance with local payroll regulations in each country
Centralised management of employee benefits
HR Core included as standard
£23
per contractor/month
Pay only for contractors you are actively collaborating with
Engage contractors based overseas
Draft, revise and sign bespoke, localised contracts
Authorise contractor invoices with a single click or set to auto-pay
Payments presented transparently with full visibility
HR Core included as standard
