Home › Free tools › Korea take-home pay calculator (2026)
Korea take-home pay calculator (2026)
Free 2026 Korea salary calculator: estimate take-home pay after National Pension 4.75%, health 3.595%, long-term care, employment insurance and income tax. 19% flat-rate option for foreigners.
How this calculator works
Korean employees pay four social insurances (4대보험) plus income tax and local income tax, all withheld from monthly pay. The 2026 employee shares used here:
| Item | Employee share (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Pension (국민연금) | 4.75% | Rate rose from 4.5% in 2026. Income base capped at 6,590,000 KRW and floored at 410,000 KRW (July 2026–June 2027). |
| Health Insurance (건강보험) | 3.595% | Total 7.19%, split 50/50 with employer. |
| Long-term Care (장기요양) | 13.14% of the health premium | 0.9448% of income in total, split 50/50. |
| Employment Insurance (고용보험) | 0.9% | Applies to Koreans and some visas (e.g. F-2, F-5, F-6); many foreign workers are excluded or can opt in. |
| Income tax | 6%–45% progressive, or 19% flat | Estimated from earned-income deduction, personal deduction (1.5M KRW per dependent), and the earned-income tax credit. |
Sources: National Pension Service, 4대사회보험 정보연계센터, NHIS 2026 rate notice. Checked October 2026.
The 19% flat rate for foreigners
Foreign employees may choose a single 19% rate on total salary (non-taxable items included) instead of progressive rates, at withholding or at year-end settlement. It usually helps only at higher salaries (roughly above 100–150M KRW a year) because no deductions apply. Use both options above to compare, then confirm with your payroll team.
FAQ
How much is deducted from a Korean salary in 2026?
For a typical employee about 9–10% goes to social insurance (pension 4.75%, health 3.595%, long-term care about 0.47%, employment insurance 0.9% if applicable), plus income tax and 10% local income tax on top of that tax.
Do foreigners pay National Pension in Korea?
Most do. Nationals of some countries without a reciprocity agreement and certain visas (e.g. E-9 depending on country, D-2) are exempt. Pensions paid by foreigners can often be claimed back as a lump sum when leaving Korea.
Should I choose the 19% flat tax?
Usually only at high salaries (roughly over 100–150M KRW a year), because the flat rate applies to total salary with no deductions. Compare both options in the calculator.
Is this exact?
No. It is an estimate; your payslip uses the NTS simplified withholding table, and the final tax is settled in year-end tax settlement.
Related guides
Year-End Tax Settlement for Foreign Workers in Korea (2026 Guide)
Yeonmal jeongsan for foreign employees: 19% flat-rate option (rising to 21% proposed for 2027), deductions, Hometax steps, refunds.
HealthNational Health Insurance for Foreigners in Korea (2026): Enrollment, Premiums, Arrears
NHIS for foreigners in 2026: who is enrolled when, the 158,630 KRW minimum premium, the 79,320 KRW student rate, arrears and visa impact.
Money & BankingOpening a Bank Account in Korea as a Foreigner (2026)
Open a Korean bank account as a foreigner: documents, limited accounts (1M KRW/day caps), how to lift limits, remittance tips.
More free tools
Jeonse ↔ wolse conversion calculator
Convert a jeonse deposit to monthly rent and back, with the 2026 legal cap.
Free toolKorean name romanizer (Hangul → English)
Write a Korean name in English using the official Revised Romanization rules.
Free toolKorean age calculator
International age (만 나이), year age and traditional Korean age in one click.
Free toolNHIS premium calculator for foreigners (2026)
Estimate your monthly Korean health insurance bill as an employee, student or regional subscriber.
Free toolKorea visa & ARC document checklist
Printable document list for ARC registration, visa extension, address change or reissue.