When a reduced minimum wage is allowed
An employer may pay a probationary worker below the minimum wage (down to 90%) only if all of these are true:
- The employment contract is for one year or longer (an 11-month contract does not qualify)
- It is within the first three months of probation
- The probation period is written into the contract
- The job is not simple labor, such as parking attendant, delivery or fast-food preparation
The Minimum Wage Act covers foreign workers as well. If you were paid less without meeting these conditions, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor (1350, foreign-language support available).
2026 and 2027 figures
Monthly equivalents use 209 hours (40 hours a week plus paid weekly rest). Take-home uses the app formula (2025 rates, no dependents, no non-taxable items, progressive tax) as a rough guide.
| Case | Hourly (KRW) | Monthly (KRW) | App take-home (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 minimum wage | 10,320 | 2,156,880 | about 1,919,000 |
| 2026 probation 90% | 9,288 | 1,941,192 | about 1,729,000 |
| 2027 minimum wage | 10,700 | 2,236,300 | about 1,986,000 |
| 2027 probation 90% | 9,630 | 2,012,670 | - |
The 2027 minimum wage was announced on 5 August 2026 and applies from 1 January 2027. At this pay level, actual monthly income tax comes from the withholding table and can differ from the app.
Probation on a higher salary
If your salary is well above the minimum wage, a 90% probation rate is a contract term, not a minimum wage rule. Check that the contract states the period and rate, and that 90% still meets the minimum wage. Social insurance enrollment and weekly paid rest apply during probation as usual.
Calculating probation pay in the app
Enter the probation amount as Monthly
Choose “Monthly” and enter your probation pay (for example regular pay × 0.9). Calculate again with your regular pay to see what changes after three months.
FAQ
Does 90% apply to part-time jobs?
Not unless the contract is for a year or longer. Short part-time jobs must pay at least the full minimum wage from day one.
Does probation count toward severance?
Yes, probation counts as continuous service. Severance arises after one year of continuous service.
Sources: Newsis, conditions for reduced probation pay (Korean) · Taxnet, 2027 minimum wage 10,700 KRW (Korean) · Easylaw, severance pay (Korean)
Salary to Chicken: Take-Home
No sign-up, works offline, and your salary data stays on your phone. Free on Android, in English and Korean.