According to the Ministry of Labor, South Korea’s average monthly wage reached ₩3.97 million in April 2025 (~$2,900 USD), up 2.7% from 2024. However, real wages—adjusted for inflation—barely grew, showing just a 0.6% increase. Income gaps remain wide as financial workers earned over ₩7 million (~$5100USD/month), while restaurant and hotel staff earned around ₩2.18 million (~1600USD/month). Minimum wage in South Korea is 10,030Won (~$7.35USD) per hour.
Full-time workers averaged ₩4.2 million, but non-regular workers saw a drop to ₩1.78 million. Meanwhile, manufacturing and construction jobs continue to shrink, with companies cutting hiring plans. Many younger workers are now rethinking career paths as job opportunities dry up and wage growth slows.
Vocabulary:
-Gender wage gap part one and part two
-Finding a job part one and part two
–Dual income and no kids
–Quit a job
