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.
South Korea’s Labour Standards Act of 2005 sets out legal safeguards for employees and workers’ rights covering a workforce 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 during recruitment relate to the minimum wage, overtime pay rates and statutory paid leave. Remote can help you provide a full, competitive and compliant benefits package to your employees in South Korea.
The statutory minimum wage in South Korea is 10,320.00 KRW per hour, effective January 2026.
Salaries are disbursed monthly, typically on either the 25th or the last day of the month.
We can assist you to onboard a new employee in South Korea quickly.
Our team ensures employees are onboarded and remunerated at the earliest opportunity while keeping your organisation compliant with local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding period begins once the employee has submitted all required details on the Remote platform. The overall timeline also depends on registration with the relevant local authorities.
For non‑nationals employed in the country, the Right to Work assessment (where applicable) will add three additional days to the onboarding timeframe. Further 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 day of pay. Remote’s payroll cut‑off date 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 is one of Asia’s most technologically advanced nations with the modern metropolis of Seoul anchoring a strong culture of innovation and excellence. Employers looking for talent in the manufacturing, professional services, and tech sectors will find a haven of qualified South Koreans.
Many of the country's workers have experience working with large multinational companies and after the pandemic, flexible working and work from home business models have been rapidly normalised. Traditionally, South Korean business culture rewarded long hours in the office. A combination of younger people entering the workforce and the success of the post-pandemic work from home transition has led to a greater focus on .
As the world’s tenth largest economy, South Korea enjoys the 7th highest human development index in Asia, an advanced democracy with extensive press freedoms, the world’s fastest internet speeds, delicious and unique cuisine, and of course, a vibrant entertainment industry that has given us the exceptional delights of K-Pop.
Capital
Official language
Currency
Population
Cost of living index
GDP real growth rate
Payroll frequency
VAT rate
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.
Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance is calculated at 4.50% of the base monthly salary which is capped at 5,900,000.
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.
Employment insurance is calculated at 1.15% of the base monthly salary.
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.
National Pension contribution
National Private medical insurance
Employment Insurance
Up to 12 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
12 million - 46 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
46 million - 88 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
88 million - 150 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
150 million - 300 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
300 million - 500 million KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
500 million - 1 billion KRW (including 10% local residence tax)
1 billion and up (including 10% local residence tax)
Employees who have worked eighty per cent (80%) or more of one work year (12 months) from the commencement of work are eligible. Employees who have worked for a month (every thirty (30) days from the commencement of work) but who have continuously worked for less than one year, or who have worked less than 80% of one year, are classed differently.
South Korea observes 17 paid public holidays.
Employers are not obliged to provide leave for illnesses unrelated to work. However, they are generally required to provide paid time off when employees fall ill or sustain injuries at work, and employers may recover such sick pay from the government industrial accident insurance fund.
Female employees are entitled to 90 days of maternity leave surrounding childbirth (120 days for multiple births). For single births, 60 days are paid; for multiple births, 75 days are paid. Mothers of infants under one year are entitled to at least 30 minutes of nursing time each day.
Employers are obliged to grant a minimum of 10 days' paid leave upon request, to be taken within 90 days after the employee’s partner’s delivery. Additionally, employees may request up to one year of childcare leave for a child under eight years, which the government compensates at KRW 1.7 million ($1,489.47).
Employees may request that their working hours be reduced to between 15 and 30 hours in order to concentrate on their academic studies, for a period of up to one year.
- Carers’ leave: employees may take up to 90 days of family care leave each year to look after ailing family members - Childcare leave: a one‑year leave of absence for a child under eight years or who is in second grade or below in elementary school. A new short‑term childcare leave will be available to eligible South Korea employees from 20 August 2026, permitting one‑ or two‑week unpaid leave for temporary childcare needs. - Family-care leave (unpaid): - Carers’ leave: employees may take up to 90 days of family care leave each year to care for ill family members - Fertility treatment leave: three days per year; the first day of the leave is paid - Menstrual leave (unpaid): once a month, granted upon the employee's request
An employment contract may be ended only when a valid cause is demonstrated—for example, dishonesty, negligence, fraud or other work-related offences. If just cause is absent, the employer must provide prior notice before effecting termination.
Please be advised that terminations in South Korea warrant careful consideration. It is often difficult to end indefinite employment agreements (commonly referred to as a contract) without just cause, so employers should observe the following termination guidelines:
Voluntary resignations: Employers are not permitted to dismiss staff without cause in South Korea. Where a resignation is voluntary, the employee must sign a written agreement to confirm those terms.
Contract expiry: Employers must give at least 30 days’ notice when ending an employment agreement if the employee has worked for three months or longer. Generally, the duration of an employment agreement for South Korean employees should not exceed two years.
Probation termination: It is advisable to obtain a signed acknowledgement from the employee if termination occurs during a probation period. If no signature is provided, the employer should retain robust documentary evidence to justify the dismissal.
Termination for cause: An employment agreement may be terminated only when just cause is established, such as dishonesty, negligence, fraud or other work-related offences; otherwise, prior notice must be given.
Misconduct: When offboarding an employee for poor performance or misconduct, employers should follow an appropriate template that sets out the reasons and cites specific evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Employers must give a minimum of 30 days’ prior notice before terminating employment, except where the employee’s contract is for less than three months or the employee has committed an intentional offence that substantially harms the employing organisation.
Employees who have completed at least one full year of service are entitled to severance pay equal to one month’s wages for each year of continuous employment with the employer.
The Labor Standards Act of Korea does not explicitly regulate probation periods. However, the law states that notice of termination is not required for “Employees under probationary period (of 3 months or less)”, so probation generally 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 program is crafted to address the unique needs of your team, whether they are embarking on short business trips or travelling extensively throughout the year. With five comprehensive plan options—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—this program ensures that your team members have the right level of coverage to protect their health, safety, and well-being while travelling for business.
Available in over 90 countries, the program provides extensive global coverage at competitive rates, offering peace of mind no matter where their work takes them. This optional benefit is designed to be flexible, allowing you to offer tailored coverage that meets the diverse needs of your workforce. By providing business travel insurance, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or loss of business equipment while they are on the road.
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.
$699
per employee/month
Engage talent in over 90 countries without opening a local entity
Employee onboarding managed by a dedicated specialist
Local payroll processed and paid punctually, every time
Built-in compliance protections
Localised benefits that are competitive and flexible
Dedicated in-house experts providing local support
HR Essentials included as standard
$29
per employee/month
Robust, transparent international payroll
A straightforward self-service platform
Dedicated specialists providing personalised support
Comply with local payroll regulations in each country
Unified benefits management
HR Core included as standard
$29
per contractor/month
Pay solely for contractors you actively engage with
Collaborate with international contractors
Draft, modify and sign customised, localised contracts
Approve contractor invoices in one click or use auto-pay
Complete transparency of payments with full visibility
HR Core is included as standard
