What are the Social Security Contributions in South Korea?

South Korea's social security system includes several types of insurance and contributions designed to provide workers with various benefits. 


Workers Compensation Insurance (WCI)

  • Purpose: Provides coverage for industrial disasters and accidents.
  • 2024 Rate: Ranges from 0.76% to 18.6% of total income, depending on the type of business and industry.


National Health Insurance (NHI)

  • Purpose: Covers general health care costs.
  • 2024 Rate: 3.545% of total income.
  • Maximum Salary Basis: Contributions are calculated based on a maximum salary of KRW 7,047,900 per month.


Long Term Care Insurance

  • Purpose: Part of the National Health Insurance, covering long-term care needs.
  • 2024 Rate: 0.4591% of total income.
  • Contribution: Included within the NHI contributions.


National Pension Fund (NP)

  • Purpose: Provides retirement benefits.
  • 2024 Rate: 4.5% of total income.
  • Maximum Salary Basis: Calculated based on a maximum salary of KRW 5,900,000 per month.

Exemption Conditions for NP: Employees covered by social security in a country with which South Korea has a totalization agreement may be exempt from contributing to the National Pension Fund to avoid double taxation.


Employment Insurance (EI)

  • Purpose: Provides unemployment benefits and other employment-related protections.
  • 2024 Rate: Approximately 1.15% of total income, though this may vary based on the number of employees and industry specifics.


For Expats: Expatriates working in South Korea should verify their social security status and contributions, especially if they are covered by social security in their home country or have private medical insurance.


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