If you work late at night, on weekends, or during national holidays in Korea, how much should you legally get paid?
In 2025, Korea’s minimum hourly wage increased to ₩10,030 (about $7.43). This change also affects all additional pay rates such as overtime, night work, and holiday work allowances.
Below is a clear breakdown of how these allowances are calculated under Korean labor law.
1. 2025 Minimum Wage Pay Table (Korea)
| Work Type | Criteria | Extra Rate | Hourly Pay (₩ / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Work | Within 40 hrs/week | None | ₩10,030 / $7.43 |
| Overtime | Over 40 hrs/week or 8 hrs/day | +50% | ₩15,045 / $11.14 |
| Night Work | 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM | +50% | ₩15,045 / $11.14 |
| Holiday Work | Sundays & public holidays | +50% | ₩15,045 / $11.14 |
| Overtime + Night | Overtime hours overlapping night hours | +100% | ₩20,060 / $14.86 |
| Holiday + Night | Holiday work during night hours | +100% | ₩20,060 / $14.86 |
| Overtime + Holiday + Night | All three conditions overlap | +150% | ₩25,075 / $18.57 |
| Weekly Holiday Pay | For employees working 15+ hrs/week, one paid day off | – | ₩10,030 / $7.43 |
Key Notes:
- Overtime, night, and holiday allowances can be stacked if conditions overlap.
- “Night work” is strictly between 10 PM and 6 AM, regardless of start time.
- Weekly holiday pay applies if you work at least 15 hours per week.
- Whether national holidays are paid depends on the company’s work rules or union agreements.
Example Calculations:
💬 Working Saturday 10 PM – 2 AM?
→ Night + Holiday = ₩20,060 ($14.86) per hour
💬 Working Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM?
→ First 8 hrs: Holiday rate ₩15,045 ($11.14) per hour
→ Additional hours: Overtime + Holiday = ₩20,060 ($14.86) per hour
💡 If you’re a part-time or shift worker in Korea, knowing these rates can help you protect your rights and make sure you’re paid fairly.
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