Calculate Korean income tax with official NTS rates, National Pension (NPS), and Health Insurance. Foreigners can use the 19% flat tax option.
Enter your income for accurate 2026 South Korea tax calculations
National income tax is progressive with 8 brackets. Local income tax (10% of national) is added, making combined rates 6.6% to 49.5%.
| Taxable Income (KRW) | National Rate | + Local (10%) | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 14,000,000 | 6% | 0.6% | 6.6% |
| 14,000,001 - 50,000,000 | 15% | 1.5% | 16.5% |
| 50,000,001 - 88,000,000 | 24% | 2.4% | 26.4% |
| 88,000,001 - 150,000,000 | 35% | 3.5% | 38.5% |
| 150,000,001 - 300,000,000 | 38% | 3.8% | 41.8% |
| 300,000,001 - 500,000,000 | 40% | 4.0% | 44% |
| 500,000,001 - 1,000,000,000 | 42% | 4.2% | 46.2% |
| Over 1,000,000,000 | 45% | 4.5% | 49.5% |
Korea has four mandatory social insurance programs. Employee contributions are deducted from salary.
See how Korean income tax, social insurance, and the flat tax option apply to different income levels
South Korea has progressive national income tax rates with 8 brackets for 2026: 6% (up to KRW 14 million), 15% (KRW 14-50 million), 24% (KRW 50-88 million), 35% (KRW 88-150 million), 38% (KRW 150-300 million), 40% (KRW 300-500 million), 42% (KRW 500M-1B), and 45% (over KRW 1 billion). Local income tax of 10% of national tax is added, making combined marginal rates 6.6% to 49.5%.
Foreign employees who start working in Korea by December 31, 2026 can elect a flat 19% national income tax rate (plus 1.9% local tax = 20.9% total) instead of progressive rates. This option is available for up to 20 years from the first day of work. However, choosing this option means you cannot claim any deductions or tax credits. It's typically beneficial for foreigners earning above KRW 130-150 million annually.
For 2026, the National Pension contribution rate is 9.5% total (4.75% employee + 4.75% employer), increased from 9% in 2025. Contributions are capped at monthly wages of KRW 6,370,000 (approximately KRW 76.4 million annually). The pension contribution rate is scheduled to increase by 0.5% each year until reaching 13% in 2033 as part of pension reform.
National Health Insurance (NHI) in Korea is 7.19% total for 2026 (3.595% employee + 3.595% employer). Additionally, Long-Term Care Insurance is charged at 13.14% of the NHI contribution, adding approximately 0.47% for employees. Combined health-related contributions are about 4.07% of salary for employees, with no upper cap.
The annual income tax filing deadline in South Korea is May 31 following the tax year. For tax year 2026, the deadline is May 31, 2027. Most employees don't need to file separately as employers perform year-end tax settlement in February. Self-employed individuals and those with multiple income sources must file directly with the National Tax Service (NTS).
Yes, foreign residents in Korea pay income tax. Tax residency is determined by having a domicile in Korea or staying 183+ days in a year. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, but foreigners who have been residents for 5 years or less can limit taxation to Korea-source income. The 19% flat tax option is available exclusively to foreign employees and can result in significant savings for high earners.
To calculate Korean income tax: 1) Start with gross annual income. 2) Apply the basic personal deduction (KRW 1,500,000). 3) Calculate national income tax using the 8 progressive brackets (6-45%). 4) Add local income tax (10% of national tax). 5) Separately calculate social insurance (NPS 4.75%, NHI 3.595%, LTC ~0.47%, Employment Insurance 0.9%). Use our calculator above for instant, accurate results based on official NTS rates.
See how South Korea's tax system compares to other Asian economies
Data Source: National Tax Service (NTS) Korea
Verified for 2026 | Official NTS rates | Last updated: January 2026
This calculator provides estimates based on official National Tax Service rates and 2026 tax brackets. For personalized tax advice regarding the 19% flat tax election, deductions, or expatriate status, consult a qualified Korean tax professional.