South Korea Tax Calculator (2026)
Income tax rates and take-home pay for South Korea
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South Korea Income Tax Brackets (2026)
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to KRW 14 million | ₩0 - ₩14,000,000 | 6.0% |
| KRW 14 million to KRW 50 million | ₩14,000,000 - ₩50,000,000 | 15.0% |
| KRW 50 million to KRW 88 million | ₩50,000,000 - ₩88,000,000 | 24.0% |
| KRW 88 million to KRW 150 million | ₩88,000,000 - ₩150,000,000 | 35.0% |
| KRW 150 million to KRW 300 million | ₩150,000,000 - ₩300,000,000 | 38.0% |
| KRW 300 million to KRW 500 million | ₩300,000,000 - ₩500,000,000 | 40.0% |
| KRW 500 million to KRW 1 billion | ₩500,000,000 - ₩1,000,000,000 | 42.0% |
| Over KRW 1 billion | ₩1,000,000,000+ | 45.0% |
Personal allowance: ₩1,500,000
Local income tax
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to KRW 14 million | ₩0 - ₩14,000,000 | 0.6% |
| KRW 14 million to KRW 50 million | ₩14,000,000 - ₩50,000,000 | 1.5% |
| KRW 50 million to KRW 88 million | ₩50,000,000 - ₩88,000,000 | 2.4% |
| KRW 88 million to KRW 150 million | ₩88,000,000 - ₩150,000,000 | 3.5% |
| KRW 150 million to KRW 300 million | ₩150,000,000 - ₩300,000,000 | 3.8% |
| KRW 300 million to KRW 500 million | ₩300,000,000 - ₩500,000,000 | 4.0% |
| KRW 500 million to KRW 1 billion | ₩500,000,000 - ₩1,000,000,000 | 4.2% |
| Over KRW 1 billion | ₩1,000,000,000+ | 4.5% |
National Pension
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| National Pension employee rate | ₩0+ | 4.8% |
Capped at ₩3,631,440 per year
National Health Insurance
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| NHI employee rate including long-term care | ₩0+ | 4.1% |
Capped at ₩10,390,220 per year
Employment Insurance
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Insurance employee rate | ₩0+ | 0.9% |
Key Facts
Tax Year
2026
Currency
KRW
Top Rate
45.0%
Brackets
8 brackets
Allowance
₩1,500,000
Social Contributions
3 items
Assumptions
- · Model represents a resident employee with employment income only.
- · Local income tax is calculated as 10% of national PIT and applied as a separate subnational tax.
- · Employment income deduction applied before calculating taxable income.
- · National Pension contribution cap reflects the January-June 2026 rate (KRW 302,570 monthly).
- · National Health Insurance contribution cap set at KRW 10,390,220 annually as of 2026.
- · Employment Insurance participation assumed for representative foreign worker scenario.
- · Basic personal deduction of KRW 1.5 million applied; no dependants claimed.
- · Alternative Minimum Tax not included as it applies to business income, not employment income.
- · Severance pay system excluded as it is taxed separately and not part of standard annual comparison.
- · Wage tax credit simplified to standard representation without individual sub-brackets for income thresholds above KRW 33 million.
- · Various special credits (charitable, education, insurance, medical, pension) excluded from default model for simplicity; only basic wage credit included.
- · Foreign tax treaty provisions and non-resident taxation rules not modeled.
- · Church tax not applicable in Korea.
Frequently asked questions
How much income tax will I pay in South Korea?
South Korea uses a progressive tax system with 8 income tax brackets ranging from 6% on income up to KRW 14 million, increasing to 45% on income over KRW 1 billion. You'll also pay local income tax on top of the national rate, which is calculated at 10% of your national income tax. The exact amount depends on your total income and which bracket you fall into.
What deductions reduce my taxable income in South Korea?
As an employee, you receive an employment income deduction that varies by income level, ranging from 70% of income for lower earners down to 2% for those earning over KRW 100 million, plus a basic personal deduction of KRW 1.5 million. You can also deduct your employee contributions to the National Pension and National Health Insurance from your gross income before calculating tax.
What are the mandatory social contributions I need to pay?
You'll contribute to three main social programs: National Pension at 4.75% of gross income (capped at KRW 3,631,440 annually), National Health Insurance at 4.07% including long-term care (capped at KRW 10,390,220 annually), and Employment Insurance at 0.9% of gross income with no cap. The National Pension and National Health Insurance contributions are tax-deductible, but Employment Insurance is not.
Do I get any tax credits as an employee in South Korea?
Yes, as a wage earner you receive a wage earner tax credit of KRW 740,000, which reduces your income tax liability. This is a standard credit available to most employees and helps offset your overall tax burden.
Is there a difference in taxes between regions in South Korea?
Local income tax rates are applied uniformly across South Korea at 10% of your national income tax, so there is no variation by province or region in this tax model. However, other local taxes and fees may vary by municipality, so it's worth checking with your specific location for complete tax obligations.
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