Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Japan to South Korea
Japan and South Korea have remarkably similar tax structures—both use progressive rates from 5-6% to 45% with ~10% local taxes on top. Japan: 5/10/20/23/33/40/45% national + 10% local. South Korea: 6/15/24/35/38/40/42/45% national + 10% local surtax. At ¥7.5M/₩90M (~$50,000): Japan charges ~$12,800 (25.6%), South Korea charges ~$11,500 (23%). Korea saves ~$1,300/year. Both countries offer expat-friendly deductions and housing allowances that can significantly reduce effective rates. Korea has slightly lower rates in middle brackets. Choose Japan if: you prefer Tokyo/Osaka lifestyle, work in traditional industries, or value Japanese culture. Choose South Korea if: you prefer Seoul lifestyle, work in tech/gaming/K-content, or want slightly lower taxes and faster-paced environment.
Progressive
5-45% national + 10% local (prefectural + municipal)
Progressive
6-45% national + 10% local surtax
At $50,000 income:
That is $108/month back in your pocket!
| Income | JP Tax | KR Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $5,100 (17%) | $4,500 (15%) | Korea saves $600 | $6,000 |
| $50,000 | $12,800 (25.6%) | $11,500 (23%) | Korea saves $1,300 | $13,000 |
| $100,000 | $31,500 (31.5%) | $29,200 (29.2%) | Korea saves $2,300 | $23,000 |
| $150,000 | $52,500 (35%) | $49,500 (33%) | Korea saves $3,000 | $30,000 |
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Hold JPY and KRW. Send money between Japan and Korea at real exchange rates with no hidden fees.
Open Wise Account →Navigate complex East Asian employment law. Deel handles payroll and compliance in both countries.
Hire in Japan or Korea →Japan: ~$12,800 (25.6% effective including national + 10% local). South Korea: ~$11,500 (23% effective including national + local surtax). Korea saves ~$1,300/year. Both offer various deductions that can reduce these amounts significantly for expats.
Japan: Housing allowances often tax-free, various expat deductions, treaty benefits. South Korea: 19% flat rate option for foreign workers (first 5 years), housing benefits, treaty benefits. Both countries have favorable treatment for foreign professionals—consult a tax advisor for specific situations.
South Korea is generally easier for English-speaking expats—more global companies, better English infrastructure. Japan has more opportunities but language requirements are higher. Tech/gaming: Korea slightly ahead. Finance/consulting: Similar. Teaching English: Both strong markets.
Tokyo: $2,500-4,000/month, $1,200-2,000 rent. Seoul: $2,200-3,500/month, $900-1,600 rent. Seoul is 10-15% cheaper overall. However, Tokyo has more variety in price ranges. Both cities have affordable options outside central areas.
South Korea edges ahead for international tech workers. Seoul has massive gaming companies, Samsung/LG tech divisions, and growing startup scene with better English infrastructure. Japan has strong tech sector but language barriers and traditional corporate culture can be challenging. Korea is more welcoming to foreign tech talent.