Business
South Korea — Business: Social Security
Korean social insurance: National Pension 4.75% each from employer and employee, National Health Insurance about 4.07% each (about 8.1% total with long-term care), and employment insurance with 0.9% employee share.
VerifiedProfessional tax guide — not a government sourcePwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Korea individual: other taxes (social security)Last reviewed: 2026-10-26
Key facts
- National Pension is 4.75% of salary each for employer and employee (9.5% total); foreigners must contribute unless a social security agreement keeps them in their home scheme.
- National Health Insurance is about 4.0674% each for employer and employee (about 8.135% total including long-term care) as of 1 January 2026; generally mandatory for expatriates with Korean employment income.
- Certain foreigners can be exempt from NHI by documenting equal or higher medical coverage from home country, a foreign insurer or employer.
- Employment insurance is 0.90% for employees and 1.15%-1.75% for employers, plus 0.25%-0.85% employer stabilisation and competency contributions.
- Foreigners on D-7, D-8 and D-9 visas are generally required to join employment insurance; some nationalities are exempt under reciprocity.