South Korea's income tax runs from 6% to 45% across 8 brackets, but the hidden 10% local income tax surtax pushes the true top rate to 49.5% for income above ₩1 billion (~$715,000 USD). Foreigners get a powerful option: a flat 19% + 1.9% local = 20.9% total for up to 20 years, with no deductions but big savings for high earners above ₩160 million. The 5-year rule protects expats: if you've been in Korea less than 5 years in any 10-year period, only Korean-source income is taxed. Social security adds ~13%: National Pension 4.75% + Health Insurance 4.07%.
This hub links to every South Korea tax guide and calculator on CountryTaxCalc — covering income tax rates, expat obligations, and tools to calculate your take-home pay.
Detailed South Korea tax guides on CountryTaxCalc:
South Korea's income tax uses 8 tax brackets from 6% to 45%. Use the calculator to estimate your take-home pay after income tax:
| Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| ₩0 - ₩14,000,000 | 6% |
| ₩14,000,000 - ₩50,000,000 | 15% |
| ₩50,000,000 - ₩88,000,000 | 24% |
| ₩88,000,000 - ₩150,000,000 | 35% |
| ₩150,000,000 - ₩300,000,000 | 38% |
| ₩300,000,000 - ₩500,000,000 | 40% |
| ₩500,000,000 - ₩1,000,000,000 | 42% |
| Over ₩1,000,000,000 | 45% |
South Korea tax connects with these hubs on CountryTaxCalc:
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