# South Korean municipal living wage increases

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-municipal-living-wage-increases
> Updated: 2026-09-10T00:04:57.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Municipalities in South Korea are implementing living wage increases for upcoming years, setting rates significantly higher than the government-mandated minimum wage.

In Gyeonggi Province, Yongin Special City announced a 3.7% increase to 12,380 KRW per hour, which is approximately 15.7% above the national minimum wage. Hwaseong City confirmed a 5.5% increase to 12,750 KRW per hour for 2027, roughly 19% higher than the minimum wage. Hwaseong also plans to introduce a ‘Hwaseong-style Fair Allowance’ to support short-term contract workers.

Incheon City has also finalized its 2027 living wage at 12,630 KRW per hour, a 5.1% increase from 2026. This rate is 18% higher than the 2027 government minimum wage. The decision was made by the Incheon Living Wage Committee, comprising labor and management representatives, and will apply to city employees, public corporations, and various commissioned agencies starting January 1, 2027.

## Claims

- Incheon City set the 2027 living wage at 12,630 KRW per hour. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 2027 wage is a 5.1% increase from the 2026 rate of 12,010 KRW. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new living wage is 18% higher than the 2027 national minimum wage of 10,700 KRW. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new living wage takes effect on January 1, 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The wage applies to workers in city-run corporations, foundations, and commissioned agencies. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Incheon City sets 2027 living wage at 12,630 KRW per hour

Incheon City has set its 2027 living wage at 12,630 KRW per hour, a 5.1% increase from 2026, to support low-income workers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/incheon-city-sets-2027-living-wage-at-12630-krw-per-hour

### 2026-09-06: Gyeonggi municipalities announce living wage increases

Yongin and Hwaseong cities have announced living wage increases, with Hwaseong also introducing a special allowance for short-term contract workers to mitigate employment instability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gyeonggi-municipalities-announce-living-wage-increases

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Cite as: South Korean municipal living wage increases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-municipal-living-wage-increases