Seoul’s living wage raised to ₩12,121 (US$8.80) for 2026

The living wage in Seoul has been set at ₩12,121 (US$8.80) per hour for 2026, marking a 2.9% increase from the 2025 rate of ₩11,779 (US$8.55).

The decision positions the city’s living wage ₩1,801 (US$1.30) higher than South Korea’s national minimum wage of ₩10,320 (US$7.50) per hour, which was approved by the central government in August 2025.

Based on a standard 40-hour workweek, workers eligible under Seoul’s living wage policy are expected to receive ₩2,533,289 (US$1,840) per month starting January 1, 2026.

The updated rate will be applied to approximately 14,000 workers, including employees of the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), staff of city-funded institutions and subsidiaries, workers at fully city-supported outsourced agencies, and participants in quality jobs programs.

Wage Review and Decision Process

The updated rate was finalized on September 15, 2025 by the SMG Living Wage Committee, which includes labor representatives and economic experts. 

The committee reviewed household spending pressures, inflation trends, and the city’s fiscal conditions before confirming the new rate.

Over the past three years, Seoul’s living wage has increased by 3.6% in 2023, 2.5% in 2024, and 3.0% in 2025, indicating a steady effort to align pay levels with the rising cost of living.

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