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Beware: Agencies and Employment Agents in South Korea

There are many employment agencies in Korea on the market, but not all of them should be trusted. Many of them are not just intermediaries, but scammers. They manipulate documents, offer services at inflated prices, etc.

Most often they offer:

• Unofficial employment;
• Drawing up an agreement or contract after arriving in the country;
• Selection of housing;
• Assistance in obtaining a visa.

There is nothing to say about unofficial employment - you will be in an illegal position. This means that you can forget about good wages, working and living conditions.

To obtain an official job in South Korea, you need the appropriate visa. You can only get it if you have a contract with your employer. If you are offered to arrange it on the spot, you will be in trouble.

If an agency helps you find housing, it will definitely make money from it. In addition, actual living conditions may differ from those agreed upon. And if you want to rent a new apartment before the lease agreement expires, you will have to pay a fine or penalty.

If you wish, you can do without outside help when obtaining a work visa to South Korea. If you find an employer and he agrees to conclude a contract with you, there will be no problems with this. All lists of documents can be found on the official websites. In addition, the employer can tell you what you need for a work visa to South Korea.

Separately, it is necessary to say about employment agents in Korea. Among them there are both trusted people and a lot of scammers. They can work unofficially and it is difficult to find an honest employer with their help.

If you contact an agent, be prepared that you will have to work and live in conditions other than those that were promised to you. For example, instead of the promised room in a two-room apartment, you may be given a bed. Yes, and the salary may differ from the stated one, and the employer will fine you with or without reason.

What professions do people earn average incomes in South Korea?

Average salaries in Korea by profession:

Hyundai Motor cars have proven themselves all over the world; the company's engineers receive decent pay for their work

Foreigners often go to Korea to work as translators, English teachers, and IT specialists. It is easier for people with a European appearance and knowledge of Korean to start working in the entertainment industry: as an event host, singer/singer, dancer/dancer.

Work at a factory in South Korea:

Salary rates

In South Korea, there is a large gap between the average and minimum income levels. Calculations by the OECD show the average to be $22,000 per year. Salaries in South Korea for the middle stratum are 36 thousand.

Taxes paid by wealthy citizens are six times higher than income from the poor.

Among the population aged 15 to 64, only 66% are employed. This figure is below average. South Korea has a high unemployment rate among the local population, while providing opportunities for some foreigners to find employment.

Minimum wage

Many companies accept hourly wages. For unskilled workers it is very low. The country is accustomed to working without breaks and with a minimum number of days off. The lowest wage is $7 per hour. To live for a month, one person needs to receive at least $1050. This amount includes housing, food and transportation costs.

The government decided to reduce the working week to 52 hours.

This measure should increase the birth rate. Before the decision was made, the Koreans worked for 68 hours. Minimum wage workers fear the measure will reduce their income.

average salary

The average salary in South Korea is around $2,900. This is only 100 units less than in Japan. By comparison, the average monthly income in China is $850.

With an average salary you can lead a decent life. The annual income in large companies is $58,000, and in small companies it is $32,000.

In the country, the average salary for beginning specialists is called the starting salary. There are gender disparities in certain industries. A young man receives 800 dollars, and a woman – 700. For wages to rise to 1000, you need to work for several years.

Maximum salary

To earn $10,000 or more, you must have a higher education and a good position. Such income has:

• heads of higher educational institutions;
• general director of production;
• pilot;
• civil servant and deputy;
• plastic surgeon;
• High-class IT specialist.

In order for a migrant worker to get such a place, he has to work hard. Many positions are available only to citizens of the country, despite the fact that the choice of specialists is quite democratic.

Features of employment

One of the attractive features of working in South Korea is that employers here treat their colleagues not as slaves, but as full partners. The fact that cooperation here is perceived as an exchange of services gives a good chance of getting promoted and receiving a higher salary.

The average salary in this country is quite high. True, it is difficult for a foreign person to find a “monetary” place. Before rushing to attack South Korean companies, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of the mentality of local employers. No matter how attractive and well-written a resume is, the employer is unlikely to pay attention to it if he does not like the applicant’s photo.

Special attention is paid to appearance and respectability in South Korea.

Increase in Korea's GDP compared to other countries

This is practically a cult: when choosing what to save on - food or clothing, the average Korean citizen will prefer the first. This justifies itself, and it’s a shame to complain about the average salary. In addition to external data, connections and recommendations play an important role. The owner of a large company will prefer someone from the street to someone for whom the citizens of his country can vouch.

Under no circumstances should you respond to offers to work illegally on a tourist visa. This is fraught not only with constant delays in the payment of wages, but also with serious problems with the state authorities. In 2021, both highly qualified specialists and those who are not super professionals in a particular industry will be able to find work in Korea.

Vacancies for professionals

The following vacancies are relevant in 2021:

• IT specialists;

• programmers;
• engineers;
• radio engineers;
• technology;
• scientific workers.

Requirements for applicants are standard. First of all, the specialist must have certain experience. He also undertakes to provide the employer with proof of his qualifications. Equally important is excellent knowledge of spoken, written and technical English. Well, if the applicant speaks Korean, then his chances increase noticeably.

Jobs for non-professionals

Also in 2021, as before, work is relevant for those who cannot confirm their qualifications.

The most popular in 2021 are:

• working in a factory;
• farm work (with accommodation);
• work at a construction site.

Also in South Korea, someone who is ready to do seasonal work is always welcome.

Salary level

The average South Korean salary in 2017 is approximately 3,350 USD. e. per month or $40,000 per year.

Shoe factory in South Korea

According to local residents, this is a low salary, since for a decent living in the capital and other large cities, a person needs at least five thousand dollars a month.

It is important to know

There is a lot in the mentality of the people of South Korea that surprises and amazes not only Europeans, but also Russians who are accustomed to everything. But the fact that there is no pension in this prosperous country is very difficult for a Russian person to understand.

But from the point of view of Koreans, there is nothing strange here. These are hardworking people, accustomed to work. When a person becomes incapacitated, he simply switches to providing for his children.

Employment in Korea for married couples

Some employers welcome married couples without children. As a rule, such vacancies are provided on ordinary and marine farms and factories. For married employees, this has certain advantages.

• Married couples are usually given a separate room. But people without a significant other can get a bed in a room where 3-4 people live.
• Living with a spouse is much easier morally. You don’t have to worry about your loved one who is thousands of kilometers away.
• Living expenses will be slightly reduced. For example, it is always more profitable to cook for two than for one.

Employers also benefit from hiring married couples. As a rule, these people work better; there is no risk that they will run home. Married couples are more stable. There is a possibility that they will be able to stay for a long time in South Korea and become permanent employees.

Russians in Korea

More like a stranger than one of our own - this is how one can characterize the status of any foreigner in Korea, especially those with a different skin color. No, Koreans are far from racist, it’s just that historically, foreigners have always been considered enemies. With the exception, perhaps, of the Soviet people, who at one time gave shelter to millions of Korean refugees and migrants.

Old people do not like foreigners, young people treat them with tolerance and interest.

Life in Korea is a little more relaxed for Russians. Surely there are many good old friends here who are ready to help with language courses, accommodation or even work. But this generation is leaving, and young Koreans know very little about Russia.

Where to look for vacancies for Russians

Employment in South Korea for Russian citizens can be of several types:

• Seasonal worker.
• A worker without qualifications.
• Highly qualified specialist.

Many take a different route and turn to specialized recruitment agencies that exist in large cities like Busan and others. This is not the most budget option, but one of the most reliable. The practice of contacting the employer’s company directly is quite common; you can also register on the website and find out all the details directly at the interview.

Popular jobs in South Korea

1. Printing house worker.
2. Worker at an auto parts factory.
3. Worker at an electrical substation.
4. A worker in the production of metal structures.
5. Metal laser cutting worker.
6. Food service and hotel workers.
7. Nurse.
8. Food seller.
9. Meat processing plant worker.
10. Turner of the highest level.

Foreign citizens who come to work without permission most often get various kinds of part-time jobs, for example, harvesting, auxiliary work in catering establishments, laborers in factories, mills and factories, loaders and other low-paid activities.

Jobs in South Korea for Russians, Ukrainians and Kazakhstanis

Qualified employees with work experience and good education are at a premium in South Korea. There are many vacancies on the market for foreigners in the following areas:

• Radioelectronics and radio engineering;
• IT industry;
• Promotion of startups;
• Applied Science;
• Car and truck manufacturing;
• Shipbuilding;
• High-tech physics and chemistry;
• Finance.

If you are a qualified specialist, look for vacancies in large companies. There you can find a stable job with decent pay for a long time. In addition, career growth is possible in large companies. Here are the TOP 10 best Korean companies for employment:

1. Samsung Electronics;
2. Hyundai Motor;
3. Hanwha;
4. SK Holdings;
5. Posco;
6. LG Electronics;
7. KIA Motors;
8. Hyundai Mobis;
9. SK Innovation;
10. Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The easiest way to go to work in South Korea is if you have a working specialty. Foreign employees are in demand in small and medium-sized enterprises, factories and industries.

If you are interested in seasonal employment in South Korea, you can work on a farm. But even if you do not have a specialty, qualifications or work experience, it is not difficult to get a job in a factory or factory. The following are always in demand in production:

• Loaders;
• Sorters;
• Packers;
• General workers.

Korea is now actively developing, so construction specialists are in demand. Working conditions at construction sites, plants and factories are not very attractive. But if you really need a job, be prepared for what you'll have to:

• Work 10-12 hours a day;
• Live in a dormitory, 3-4 people per room;
• Work night shifts and overtime;
• Don't have fixed days off.

A big plus of working in production is the provision of housing. Many factories and factories have dormitories, accommodation in which costs a symbolic amount of 50-100 dollars per month. Sometimes employers provide dorm rooms for free. Also, enterprises usually provide two meals a day.

The easiest way for girls to find work is:

• At a garment factory;
• In the sorting shop;
• Confectionery shop.

At such enterprises there is no great physical activity. But long working hours and night shifts are not uncommon. All work is built on the principle of a conveyor belt, and they usually pay extra for overtime. Night shift work usually pays 10-20% more than day shift work.

At first, you shouldn’t count on big earnings. Average salaries are initially within the following limits:

• Men: $750-$800;
• Women: $650-$700.

Over time, the employer increases the salary and in a year it is quite possible to earn 1000-1200 dollars. But it all depends on the place of work and the region. Payments are made in different ways - sometimes daily, and sometimes once a week or month.

Salaries

In Korea, it is very difficult to identify the highest paid specialty. The size of a person’s salary directly depends on his education, work experience and qualifications.

But it can definitely be noted that doctors in South Korea receive one of the highest salaries. There has always been interest in Asian methods, and since 2009, treatment in Korea has become available. Naturally, medical workers also want to work in this country.

Plastic surgeon is one of the highest paid professions in South Korea

So, a dentist receives approximately $3,600 “net” per month. The monthly salary of a surgeon is $3,700. A plastic surgeon can earn between $4,200 and $4,400.

A lawyer is also a highly sought-after specialist. On average, lawyers, advocates and notaries receive more than $4,000 per month. Managers receive the highest salaries. Their salary starts from 5000-6000 dollars.

It is very difficult to name the real average salary. According to statistics, the average salary in the republic is $3,000.

But, unfortunately, not everyone receives such a salary. On average, citizens and migrant workers in South Korea receive from $1,000 to $3,200. . A person can count on such wages, both with and without a specialty.

For example, an ophthalmologist receives $2,700, and a factory worker may receive $2,600. The level of wages directly depends on the demand for the profession and the number of hours worked.

Work at a South Korean electronics assembly factory

The Korean working day lasts more than ten hours. On average, working in factories you can earn about 1800-2400 dollars. But this does not take into account overtime hours. In one month overtime you can earn up to 200 - 300 dollars.

This is the salary received by ordinary workers in denim factories, manufacturing enterprises, furniture and plastic factories. Construction has become a very popular industry recently. In this area you can earn over 2000 – 3500 dollars.

Women in South Korea in 2021 receive approximately 100 - 200 dollars less than men. This is due to the fact that women have less physical activity. Mostly representatives of the fair sex work in clothing factories, fish processing and confectionery shops.

What to expect without knowing the language

South Korea is a country with a unique culture, the peculiarities of which can cause serious restrictions on employment. In particular, managers of local companies prefer to communicate exclusively in their native language. For this reason, it is almost impossible to get a good job without knowing Korean. Even qualified specialists are expected to be at least fluent in English.

However, many representatives of recruiting companies assure potential candidates for the position that the conversational barrier is not a problem, and the country has a large number of Russian speakers. In practice, it turns out that unskilled personnel who do not speak Korean and English will only be able to get one-time and seasonal vacancies as laborers.

Hostess job

Working as a hostess model in South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for Russian girls aged 18 to 30 years. In fact, such applicants are subject to minimum requirements, and the amount of earnings is several times higher than the average salary in Russia. This job does not require any special qualifications, but knowledge of English and Korean is welcome.

Hostesses are young girls of pleasant appearance who create a mood of celebration and fun in an entertainment establishment. They communicate with guests, dance with them, sing along at karaoke and receive a good reward for this, which can exceed $2,500 per month.

Shift work

Work on a rotational basis, mainly for a period of more than 2 months, is in demand not only among Korean employers, but also among labor immigrants from Russia and the CIS countries. Mostly we are talking about seasonal vacancies at agricultural enterprises.

When employed on a shift basis, the employer is ready to provide employees with housing and food. As a rule, they take a day off once a week. In rainy or inclement weather, the employee receives additional days of rest. Such unskilled labor can be paid from $90 per day.

Work in factories and production

Immigrants can work in factories and industrial enterprises in South Korea only if they have a work visa. To obtain it, you will need to provide the country's consulate with a copy of the contract with the potential employer. Subject specialists with the appropriate level of education and experience in a specific field of activity can count on receiving a contract. Much less often, immigrants from the CIS countries get jobs in factories and industrial enterprises as mechanics, welders, etc.

On average, a working day at a plant lasts 9 hours, with a lunch break and legal days off. As for pay, depending on the position, it can range from $70 to $150 per day and more.

Employment for married couples

For married couples, vacancies in South Korea are usually limited to work on special marine farms. This type of work requires serious physical effort, so applicants are subject to fairly stringent age and health requirements.

The employer is ready to provide free housing and food to married couples. On average, the wages of such migrant workers start from $1,350 per month.

Working as a taxi driver

For holders of an international driver's license in Korea, there is the opportunity to work as a taxi driver. The owners of such companies have certain requirements for driving experience and knowledge of languages. Preference is given to applicants who are fluent in English and Korean.

There is absolutely no need to understand the intricacies of local streets, since all cars are equipped with navigators that can freely build a route. In Korea, there are executive and standard class taxis. Accordingly, the amount of drivers’ earnings will also vary: from $50 per day and above.

Internship for Russians, Ukrainians and other citizens of CIS countries

One of the best ways to gain work experience in a Korean company, as well as improve your knowledge of the Korean language, is an internship in South Korea. You can get such an internship by contacting one of the educational centers that specialize in organizing such events, or by taking part in a student project competition. The winners of such competitions get the opportunity to go to the Republic of Korea to continue their studies and undergo an internship at one of the Korean enterprises.

Video: internship in South Korea

The organizers of student competitions are educational institutions, between which an agreement has been concluded on the exchange of student trainees. Both students and university graduates aged 18 to 30 years can take part in the internship.

As a rule, an applicant for an internship is required to:

• A completed application form;
• resume in English or Korean;
• copy of international passport;
• certificate from place of study or work;
• copy of diploma;
• if you have professional achievements - copies of documents confirming them;
• letter of recommendation.

Shift work in South Korea

Shift work in South Korea is not particularly specific. As a rule, this is employment in:

• Factories and production;
• In ports;
• Marine vessels;
• Fermakh.

Working conditions and pay greatly depend on the position held. But what all these vacancies have in common is long working hours. Realizing this, some employers use tricks to provide themselves with a permanent workforce.

The employer can set a minimum contract period of 2 months or more. He may stipulate that you will receive your first salary only in 2 months. The most cunning ones indicate in the contract that you will receive the bulk of what you earn only after the contract expires.

Some employers pay for the flight. At the same time, they can deduct its full or partial cost from wages. For example, your employer may deduct 20% of your salary to offset the cost of airfare.

To fully pay off the cost of the flight, you will have to work for at least 5 months. Of course, you can agree to pay it out of your earnings in the first month. But not every employer will do this if it is beneficial for him to retain the employee.

Important:

Read the contract carefully. If you do not speak Korean and English, use the services of a third-party translator. You will pay for the translation of the contract, but this is a drop in the ocean compared to the troubles you may encounter.

Minimum salary in Korea in 2021 per month

In 2021, the minimum wage in South Korea will be increased by 10.9% compared to 2021. The minimum payment will be 8,350 won (451.11 rubles) per hour. For full-time workers (standard 40-hour week), the minimum monthly salary will be 1 million 745 thousand won (RUB 88,941). This is mainly paid to workers in the service sector.

Overtime (after 17:30) and night shifts are paid at a rate of 1.5 times the minimum rate. When working on weekends or holidays, payment is calculated at a double rate. There are bonuses for hourly workers if they do not miss a single day from Monday to Friday during the week or month. Bonus systems vary from company to company.

In 2021, the minimum wage was 7,530 won (407 rubles), which is 16.4% more than in 2017. The annual growth of the minimum wage is faster than inflation (1.5–2%). Both trade unions and employers were extremely dissatisfied with the insufficient increase this year. Professional associations demanded an increase in the minimum wage by 43% to 10,790 won (583 rubles). Employers insisted on keeping the figure at the 2021 level.

According to labor institute experts, only 12% of workers in Korea receive the minimum wage.

Foreigners more often occupy positions where qualifications are not required. The salary is higher than in Russia.

Alexandra Chagai told T-Z that a hotel maid earns 1.5–1.8 million won (81,090–97,308 rubles) per month, a worker at an enterprise receives 1.3–3.5 million won (70,289 -1,890,251 rubles), agricultural worker - at least 60 thousand won (3243 rubles) per day, fisherman - from 80 thousand won (4324 rubles) per day.

Green tea plantations in South Korea. The hard manual labor of pickers is paid at the minimum wage

Foreigners are treated friendly. But locals take a long time to get used to new people, so at work the newcomer is treated coldly at first, but after some time he becomes part of a close-knit team.

Applying for a work visa to South Korea

Before you can get a work visa, you need to get a work permit. It must be completed by the employer, which takes from 2 to 9 weeks. In order for him to receive it, you must send the employer:

1. A copy of the international passport;
2. Resume (in English);
3. Documents confirming qualifications, scientific degrees, work activities, etc. (in English, translation must be certified);
4. Additional documents depending on the type of activity, visa and place of work (in English, translation must be certified).

You will also need to undergo a tuberculosis test at one of the specialized clinics. This must be done in an institution that cooperates with the South Korean Embassy. Before traveling, it is recommended to be vaccinated against common diseases in Asia. Mandatory vaccination is not required to obtain a visa.

Once you have received your work permit, your employer must send a copy of it to you. After this, you need to submit these documents to the South Korean consulate. This can be done either independently or through third parties. You cannot send documents for a work visa by mail! You will also need to pay a consular fee.

If you want to officially stay in the country for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for an ID card. This can be done at an immigration center in Korea. To obtain it, you will need to undergo a medical examination at any of the licensed clinics. You can find out their address in the same center.

You will also need to undergo basic training at any of the following centers:

• Seoul Seoul Global Center;
• Ansan "Center for Foreigners in Ansan";
• Tegu “Support Center for Foreign Workers in Tegu”;
• Seoul “Danuri Multicultural Families Assistance Center”;
• Chunchon “Multicultural Families Support Center”;
• Gimhe "Foreign Workers Support Center in Gimhe";
• Seoul "Yoksam Global Center".

Consequences for attempting illegal employment

Residents of Russia and Ukraine can stay in the Republic of Korea without a visa for 60 days. For citizens of Kazakhstan, the duration of visa-free stay in the country is 30 days. Residents of other CIS countries require a work visa to enter and work.

For illegal employment, an employee faces a large fine and a ban on entering the country for 5 years.

Illegals in South Korea

For illegal employment, a worker can be punished with a large fine and a ban on entering the country for 5 years. An employer can be fined up to $20,000 or prosecuted for using illegal labor.

Salary levels in the regions of South Korea in 2021

What salary in South Korea depends on the specific region and the specifics of the city. Highest income in Seoul. Large companies such as Kia, SK, LG and Samsung are located in this city. Seoul is a major financial center. The following industries are developed in the city:

· Trade.

· Construction.

· Manufacturing industry.

· Printing.

Busan is the second largest city in the country. Jobs are provided by the automobile industry, the Korean stock exchange, a financial center, tourism and a port.

The highest level of income is for engineers, approximately 8 thousand dollars, managers - 6.2 thousand and specialists in the tourism field - 4.4 thousand.

Incheon is a center of international business. The following specialties are in demand:

• Steel industry.
• Shipbuilding.
• Chemical and oil refining industry.
• Textile and electrical industry.
• Engineering specialties are in demand.

Seongnam is worth noting among industrial cities. Here you can find jobs in the electronics, mechanical engineering and food industries.

Ulsan is also an industrial center. In addition to mechanical engineering, the oil refining industry is developing here.

Here are examples of average monthly salaries of Koreans in some specialties:

Salary taxes

Despite the fact that many workers have a small income, they must pay up to 20% to the treasury every month. The tax is divided into local and national. The first includes payments:

• regional for the development of the region, as well as a license fee;
• to the city treasury, for registration and excise tax on tobacco products.

The national treasury receives deductions from profits, donations and corporate ones. Such payments are called direct payments. Indirect taxes are levied on telephone use, transport and value added. Also, payroll taxes go to the national treasury.

Paying income tax

In the country, the tax rate depends on the salary received. It can reach up to 40% of total income. Why does South Korea tax almost half of one's salary? The rate depends on the income received:

• a quarter of the average salary – 6%;
• more than a quarter – 15%;
• 1-2 average salaries – 24%;
• 2-6 average salaries – 35%;
• more than 6 – 40%.

Thus, income tax depends on monthly income. The strict deduction system does not allow you to avoid payments.

Social contributions and other taxes

In addition to income tax, working citizens make a number of other payments. They also depend on standard of living and income. The provided taxation system includes a number of points:

• for VAT – 10%;
• for real estate – from 0.5 to 2%;
• for social insurance – 8.4%;
• on profit - from 10 to 22%;
• for luxury goods in the form of airplanes and yachts - from 4 to 12%.

The last category is divided into basic and luxury. Since exports are developing in the country, the government decided to provide benefits to citizens. Discounts are provided for indirect taxes for manufacturers who produce goods for the foreign market. Profit tax for export operations has been reduced by half.

Average salary in South Korea by profession in 2019

Elena Popkova
Jan 11, 2019
South Korea is an example of accelerated economic development. At the moment, the unemployment rate in the country has decreased and average salaries have increased. At the crest of the Korean wave, the country was flooded with people wanting to earn extra money.

Salary per month by profession in 2021

In South Korea, there is practically no wary attitude towards visitors. Company managers value employees for their hard work and diligence, regardless of nationality. The salary is “white”. There are no additional payments in the envelope.

The salary level depends both on experience and on the company’s status in the market. For example, SAMSUNG pays large amounts to employees. Otherwise, it may affect the image of the corporation.

If we look at averages, after paying all taxes, the amounts will be as follows:

The following professions are always in demand in the country:

• scientist;
• IT specialist;
• engineer;
• teacher.

Professionals are worth their weight in gold. IT specialists, for example, can earn $15,000 or more. Knowledge of the Korean language is the most important condition for employment.

average salary

The average salary in South Korea is around $2900. In terms of salaries, Korea is ahead of European countries such as Portugal, Poland, Spain and the Czech Republic. Among Asian countries, this figure is also in a worthy place: in Japan it is a little over $3,000, and in China - $850.

Employees of large companies earn about $58,000 annually, while employees of small companies earn about $31,000.

Average starting salary

In the Ease of Doing Business ranking, South Korea ranks in the top five out of 190 countries represented. A Russian migrant, as a rule, begins his career not by creating his own company, but by working in the production sector.

Starting salaries are $660–$700 per month for women and $750–800 for men. In a few months, this figure could rise to $1,000.

Main areas of work for visitors:

Salary by city and region

The salary depends not only on the position held, but also on the region of the country. If in Seoul a factory worker receives up to $1,000 monthly, then in the provinces his salary is $500. The southern region of the country is more loyal to workers in terms of wages.

Salary taxes

The country's tax system is divided into 2 tax categories:

Payroll tax is national.

Income tax

The maximum income tax rate is 40%. Tax rates depending on salary level:

• 6% - profit up to 1/4 of the average salary;
• 15% - from 1/4 to average salary;
• 24% - from 1 to 2 average salary;
• 35% - from 2 to 6 average salaries;
• 40% - over 6 average salaries.

Just a few years ago the maximum rate was 38%.

Social contributions and other taxes

The country's tax system has many types of government fees in its arsenal.

• VAT – 10%;
• real estate tax - from 0.5 to 2%;
• social insurance of employees - 8.4%;
• income tax - from 10 to 22%;
• tax on the purchase of yachts, real estate, aircraft, etc. - 4% base rate, 12% on luxury purchases.

In connection with the active development of exports, the government adopted the following tax breaks:

• discounts on indirect taxation on the production of export products;
• 50% discount on income tax from export operations.

In addition, taxes and duties on the import of intermediate goods have been abolished.

Salary to living expenses ratio

Compared to post-Soviet countries, wages in South Korea are high. The price range of goods and services is almost the same as in Moscow, St. Petersburg or southern European countries.

Nutrition

The cost of Korean products is several times more expensive than in Russia:

• bread - $2.5-4;
• milk - $4.5;
• meat - $8;
• apples - $1.5;
• beer - $3–8;
• fruits - $1-3.

The cost of lunch in a cafe is $6.5, dinner in an inexpensive restaurant for two is $35.

Cloth

The cost of branded items is quite expensive:

• pair of jeans - $80;
• summer dress - $50;
• a pair of running shoes - $100.

Clothing from a domestic manufacturer is cheaper than in the Russian Federation.

Housing

The cost of a one-room apartment in a residential area is around $1,000, in the center - from $1,800. In the suburbs you can rent a small apartment for $400.

Medicine

Korean medicine is classified as expensive. But health insurance makes life much easier for Koreans. The cost of treatment is 30% lower than in the USA or Europe.

• “Basic Oncology” package – $1,500;
• heart valve replacement - from $15,000 (in the USA - up to $200,000);
• childbirth - from $3,000 to $5,000;
• tooth extraction - $150.

The cost of facial plastic surgery varies from $5,000 to $10,000.

Public utilities

The cost of services for heating, garbage removal, electricity and water supply for an apartment with a total area of ​​85 m2 is $150. Monthly subscription fee for Internet is $23.

Directions

A standard taxi ride will cost $8, public transport travel will cost $1. A liter of gasoline costs $1.8.

Taxes

For a long period, South Korea maintained the position of a country with a low level of aggregate tax burden. Tax rates have increased over the past few years.

Unemployment rate and migrants' prospects

At the start of 2021, the unemployment rate was 3.6%. However, in March this figure increased to 4%. Experts have noted a deterioration in the employment of citizens for the 4th year in a row.

The prospects for migrants are twofold. On the one hand, a qualified specialist with knowledge of the language will be in demand in any country. On the other hand, most migrants get jobs in production and earn about $1,000, which is not a sufficient amount for a comfortable life in Korea. Career growth depends on how much effort and time a person is willing to invest in it.

Migration lawyer in St. Petersburg, higher education from St. Petersburg State University, traveler. Author of articles on the website MigrantVisa.ru

How to find a job in South Korea

There are three job search options:

1. Contact an agency or agent;
2. Independent search;
3. Search for work locally.

It makes sense to contact an agency or an agent if you don’t have time, you don’t want to study information and correspondence on your own, or you have extra money. Most agencies work with direct employers and have a database of vacancies.

But you must be prepared for them to make money on you. Either you pay for the agency's services, or your employer will. Either way, you'll be out a few hundred dollars.

Searching for a job on your own in South Korea is more suitable if you have a specialty or qualification. It is better and more convenient to do this via the Internet, on specialized sites.

The main problem for applicants is that knowledge of English or Korean is required at the proper level. When corresponding, you can use an online translator, but then you will have to do it in person. If you are looking for a job without knowing the language, it is better to contact an agency.

Important:

If you do not speak Korean or English, you will most likely look for vacancies on Russian-language sites. We would like to warn you that most advertisements are posted by intermediaries and agencies. The likelihood of finding a direct employer is almost zero.

If you want to find a job without knowing the language, you will have to work hard. Use Google's online translator and look for jobs on English-language sites. The likelihood of finding a direct employer will be ten times higher.

In-demand specialties in 2021

The most popular jobs in South Korea for Russians are blue-collar jobs. Men can work in factories and factories producing furniture and mass-produced goods. Packers and harvesters on agricultural farms are also in demand.

For women and girls, there are many employment offers in confectionery shops, restaurants and fast food cafes, clothing factories or enterprises that sort and pack fish or seafood. Many factories have implemented a conveyor system, so the work is not the hardest, but it is highly paid.

Much less often, technologists, IT specialists, designers, scientists, physicists and chemists, radio engineers, programmers and other specialized specialists with relevant education and work experience go to South Korea to work. They can look forward to good positions in local automobile, computer and mobile device companies.

Popular specialties

The income of the population of South Korea varies by profession. To get a job, you must have a skill that is in demand. People with or even without education can find work.

Financiers, engineers and programmers have high earnings in South Korea. Without education, you can get a job on farms, plants or factories.

The following professions are especially in demand:

1. IT specialists.
2. Engineers.
3. Workers with technical education.
4. Research staff.
5. Technologists.
6. Designers.

The average salary of Koreans after taxes is 2 thousand dollars. The minimum salary in South Korea per month is 1 thousand dollars. After taxes it is $700. For Russians, you can apply for a visa at the country's embassy. The amount of income depends on work experience, qualifications and education.

A doctor's salary varies depending on his specialization. A dentist earns approximately $3.4 thousand. Surgeon - about 3.7 thousand. The income of a plastic surgeon is from 4 to 4.2 thousand.

A lawyer is also a sought-after specialist. Notaries, lawyers and lawyers receive more than 4 thousand dollars.

The highest salaries are for managers. The salary starts from 5-6 thousand dollars. So, how much do migrants earn in South Korea? Salary may differ from local salaries. On average, the amount varies between 1-3.2 thousand dollars.

A factory worker earns approximately $2.7 thousand. The level of income depends on the number of hours worked and the demand for the profession. The working day includes approximately 10 hours. The average salary at a factory is approximately 1.8-2.4 thousand. This does not include overtime. For a month, overtime can amount to 200-300 dollars. Workers in manufacturing, furniture and denim factories receive similar pay.

Construction specialties are also popular. In this area you can earn 2-3.5 thousand. Women in general earn 100-200 dollars less than men.

How to find a job in South Korea

Russians who are thinking about how to go to Korea to earn money should learn in advance everything about the peculiarities of employment in this Asian country. On the website of the consular service of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, in the most prominent place there is an inscription: “Citizens of the CIS are not issued a work visa!!!” There is also additional information that exceptions to the general rule include ethnic Koreans and qualified professionals.

Those Russians and citizens of friendly republics who do not fall under these criteria can take advantage of the opportunity to stay in the country for two months to look for one-time or seasonal work.

Also, information about new vacancies is posted in Korean media, many of them have official websites that duplicate printed information. Another way to look for work abroad is to contact special recruiting agencies, whose offices are located in Moscow, St. Petersburg and in some cities of the Far East (Irkutsk, Nakhodka, Vladivostok). You will have to pay several hundred dollars for the services of such organizations, but in this case the applicant will avoid a large number of difficulties associated with finding a job and adapting to a new country.

Migrant workers can also directly contact the employer’s office or register on the company’s website. In this case, you can get first-hand detailed information about the vacancy and working conditions.