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Busan Metropolitan City Announces 2026 Living Wage of 12,275 KRW, Up 3 Percent from This Year

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that yesterday (24th), following the deliberation of the Busan Living Wage Committee, the 2026 living wage was finalized at 12,275 KRW per hour.

The City convened the Living Wage Committee, composed of experts, labor representatives, and management representatives, to comprehensively and meticulously review ▲local consumer price inflation ▲the rate of increase in minimum wage and wages at public institutions ▲household spending conditions, and finalized the living wage for the coming year at 12,275 KRW per hour.

This represents an increase of 358 KRW (3 percent) from this year’s living wage of 11,917 KRW, and is 1,955 KRW higher than the 2026 minimum wage of 10,320 KRW per hour, which was announced by the government in August. When converted to monthly pay (based on 209 working hours), it amounts to an additional 408,595 KRW.

※ Living Wage: A wage set above the minimum wage to ensure that workers can maintain a minimally humane and cultural standard of living.

The number of workers eligible for the living wage next year is estimated to be approximately 2,900, the same as this year, including those employed by Busan Metropolitan City, its affiliated public institutions, and those engaged in municipal consignment services.

The City has gradually expanded the scope of those covered by the living wage system, operating at a level higher than the minimum wage so that local workers can enjoy a humane and cultural life, thereby serving as a model employer.

The 2026 living wage will take effect on January 1, 2026, and during September the City will announce the applicable scope and the determined rate through its official website.

Through continuous increases in the living wage, the City aims to promote revitalization of the local economy and culture, while establishing a virtuous cycle system that spreads into the private sector.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “The decision on next year’s living wage for Busan was made after in-depth discussion, taking into account its ripple effects in the private sector and ensuring that workers’ labor is respected and that they can enjoy a happy life. Busan will continue to focus on improving the quality of life for workers, striving to create a city where people would want to live even if they were born again.”