Statutory and legislative payroll changes in South Korea, each linked to the page it was checked against. For information only, not legal or tax advice: confirm details with the source before acting. See the terms.
National Pension contribution rate rises from 9% to 9.5%
Effective 1 Jan 2026
The National Pension contribution rate rose from 9% to 9.5% on 1 January 2026, the first change since 1998, and will rise by 0.5 percentage points a year until reaching 13% in 2033.
For the employer
- Contribute 4.75% and withhold 4.75% from workplace subscribers from January 2026.
- Plan for further 0.5-point annual increases through 2033.
For the employee
- Pension deduction is 4.75% of salary in 2026.
In practice: On monthly salary of KRW 3,000,000 each side pays KRW 142,500 (4.75%).
Source: Korea.kr (K-Gonggam, Government of Korea) - National Pension rate rises to 9.5% from 2026 · Last verified 1 October 2026
National Health Insurance premium including long-term care about 8.135%
Effective 1 Jan 2026
As of 1 January 2026 the National Health Insurance premium rate including long-term care insurance is approximately 8.135% of monthly wages, split equally at about 4.0674% each, with total monthly contribution capped at KRW 10,390,220.
For the employer
- Apply the 2026 NHI and long-term care rates to payroll from January 2026.
For the employee
- Employee share is approximately 4.0674% of monthly wages.
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Republic of Korea, Individual - Other taxes · Last verified 1 October 2026