E-9 Visa Salary Calculator Korea: Overtime & Severance Pay 2026
Are you working in Korea on an E-9 visa? Do you know how much you should really be earning? Many E-9 workers don't understand their salary breakdown, overtime pay, or severance pay rights. This means they might be losing money.
This complete guide explains:
- E-9 visa salary ranges and what you should earn
- How to calculate overtime pay correctly
- Your severance pay rights when you finish your contract
- Real examples with numbers
- How much you can actually send home to your family
Understanding your income is the first step to managing your money better and sending more home.
📌 In this guide, you'll learn:
- Average E-9 visa salaries in 2026
- How to calculate overtime pay (1.5x rate)
- Severance pay calculation and your rights
- Real income examples by industry
- How much you can send home each month
💰 E-9 Visa Salary Structure: Understanding Your Pay
E-9 visa workers in Korea earn money from several sources. Understanding each part helps you calculate your real income.
Basic Salary Components
Your total monthly income includes:
| Component | Description | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | Regular work hours (209 hours/month) | ₩2,010,580 - ₩2,500,000 |
| Overtime Pay | Extra hours at 1.5x rate | ₩300,000 - ₩800,000 |
| Holiday Work Pay | Work on holidays at 1.5x or 2x | ₩100,000 - ₩300,000 |
| Night Shift Bonus | Work 10 PM - 6 AM | ₩50,000 - ₩150,000 |
| Meal Allowance | Food support (if provided) | ₩100,000 - ₩200,000 |
| Transportation | Travel support (if provided) | ₩50,000 - ₩100,000 |
2026 Minimum Wage in Korea
As of 2026, the minimum wage in Korea is:
| Unit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly | ₩9,620 |
| Monthly (209 hours) | ₩2,010,580 |
| Annual | ₩24,126,960 |
⚠️ Important: All E-9 workers must receive at least minimum wage. If you're paid less, this is illegal.
Average E-9 Salary by Industry
Different industries pay different amounts:
| Industry | Base Monthly Salary | With Overtime | Total Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | ₩2,010,000 - ₩2,300,000 | ₩400,000 - ₩700,000 | ₩2,400,000 - ₩3,000,000 |
| Agriculture | ₩2,010,000 - ₩2,200,000 | ₩200,000 - ₩400,000 | ₩2,200,000 - ₩2,600,000 |
| Construction | ₩2,200,000 - ₩2,800,000 | ₩400,000 - ₩800,000 | ₩2,600,000 - ₩3,600,000 |
| Fisheries | ₩2,010,000 - ₩2,400,000 | ₩300,000 - ₩600,000 | ₩2,300,000 - ₩3,000,000 |
| Service Industry | ₩2,010,000 - ₩2,200,000 | ₩100,000 - ₩300,000 | ₩2,100,000 - ₩2,500,000 |
Most common: Manufacturing workers typically earn ₩2.4 - 3.0 million per month including overtime.
⏱️ How to Calculate Overtime Pay (1.5x Rate)
Overtime pay is one of the most important parts of E-9 worker income. Many workers do overtime but don't know if they're paid correctly.
Korean Labor Law on Overtime
Legal requirements:
- Regular work week: 40 hours maximum
- Regular work day: 8 hours maximum
- Overtime is voluntary (you can refuse)
- Overtime pay: 1.5x your normal hourly rate
- Weekend work: 1.5x rate
- Holiday work: 2.0x rate (or 1.5x if employer gives substitute holiday)
Step-by-Step Overtime Calculation
Let's calculate overtime pay correctly:
Formula: Monthly Salary ÷ 209 hours = Hourly Rate
Example: Base salary ₩2,200,000/month
- ₩2,200,000 ÷ 209 hours = ₩10,526 per hour
Formula: Hourly Rate × 1.5 = Overtime Rate
Example: Regular rate ₩10,526/hour
- ₩10,526 × 1.5 = ₩15,789 per overtime hour
Formula: Overtime Hours × Overtime Rate = Overtime Pay
Example: 50 hours overtime per month
- 50 hours × ₩15,789 = ₩789,450 overtime pay
Real Example: Manufacturing Worker
Sophal from Cambodia works in a factory in Siheung
| Category | Details | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Salary | 209 regular hours | ₩2,200,000 |
| Hourly Rate | ₩2,200,000 ÷ 209 | ₩10,526 |
| Regular Hours (Monthly) | 209 hours | ₩2,200,000 |
| Overtime Hours | 52 hours this month | |
| Overtime Rate | ₩10,526 × 1.5 | ₩15,789/hour |
| Overtime Pay | 52 × ₩15,789 | ₩820,028 |
| Saturday Work | 4 Saturdays × 4 hours = 16 hours | |
| Saturday Pay | 16 × ₩15,789 | ₩252,624 |
| Meal Allowance | Provided by company | ₩150,000 |
| TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME | ₩3,422,652 | |
| Deductions | ||
| • National Pension (4.5%) | -₩154,019 | |
| • Health Insurance (3.545%) | -₩121,333 | |
| • Employment Insurance (0.9%) | -₩30,804 | |
| • Income Tax | -₩85,000 | |
| • Dormitory (if applicable) | -₩200,000 | |
| TOTAL DEDUCTIONS | -₩591,156 | |
| NET INCOME (Take-Home) | ₩2,831,496 |
Sophal can send home approximately ₩2.0-2.3 million per month after living expenses (₩400,000-500,000).
Overtime Pay Quick Reference Table
For common salary levels:
| Base Salary | Hourly Rate | Overtime Rate (1.5x) | 10 Hours OT | 30 Hours OT | 50 Hours OT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₩2,010,000 | ₩9,617 | ₩14,426 | ₩144,260 | ₩432,780 | ₩721,300 |
| ₩2,200,000 | ₩10,526 | ₩15,789 | ₩157,890 | ₩473,670 | ₩789,450 |
| ₩2,500,000 | ₩11,962 | ₩17,943 | ₩179,430 | ₩538,290 | ₩897,150 |
| ₩2,800,000 | ₩13,397 | ₩20,096 | ₩200,960 | ₩602,880 | ₩1,004,800 |
💡 Tip: Use your payslip to verify your employer is paying overtime correctly. If the numbers don't match, ask your employer or contact labor support center.
💼 Severance Pay: Your Rights When Contract Ends
Severance pay (퇴직금, toejikgeum) is money your employer MUST pay you when you finish working. This is required by Korean law.
Who Qualifies for Severance Pay?
You get severance pay if:
- ✅ Worked at the same company for 1 year or more
- ✅ Worked average of 15 hours or more per week
- ✅ Contract ends (finished, not renewed, or terminated)
All E-9 workers who complete their contract qualify.
How Much Severance Pay Do You Get?
Formula: (Average Monthly Wage × Years Worked)
Simple Calculation:
- 1 year of work = 1 month of average wage
- 2 years = 2 months of average wage
- 3 years = 3 months of average wage
Step-by-Step Severance Pay Calculation
Formula: Total wages in last 3 months ÷ 3
Include:
- ✅ Base salary
- ✅ Overtime pay
- ✅ Holiday pay
- ✅ Night shift bonuses
- ✅ Regular allowances
Exclude:
- ❌ One-time bonuses
- ❌ Reimbursements
- ❌ Irregular payments
Count from first day to last day of work. Round to the nearest month.
- Less than 15 days = No change
- 15 days or more = Count as full month
Example: Worked 3 years 7 months = 3.58 years
Severance Pay = Average Monthly Wage × Years Worked
Real Severance Pay Examples
Profile: Manufacturing worker in Ansan, 3 years contract completed
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Last 3 Months Income | |
| Month 1 | ₩2,850,000 |
| Month 2 | ₩2,920,000 |
| Month 3 | ₩2,780,000 |
| Total | ₩8,550,000 |
| Average Monthly Wage | ₩8,550,000 ÷ 3 = ₩2,850,000 |
| Work Period | 3 years (36 months) |
| Severance Pay Calculation | |
| ₩2,850,000 × 3 years | ₩8,550,000 |
Thuy receives ₩8,550,000 severance pay (about $6,400 USD at ₩1,330/USD).
Profile: Construction worker in Incheon, 4 years 8 months contract
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Wage | ₩3,100,000 |
| Work Period | 4 years 8 months = 4.67 years |
| Severance Pay | ₩3,100,000 × 4.67 = ₩14,477,000 |
Rajesh receives ₩14,477,000 severance pay (about $10,880 USD).
He can send this full amount home to build a house for his family.
💡 Pro Tip: Severance pay is paid before taxes. About 5-8% will be deducted for taxes, so plan accordingly.
When Do You Receive Severance Pay?
Timeline:
- Legal requirement: Within 14 days of your last working day
- Typical: 7-14 days after contract end
- Payment method: Bank transfer to your Korean account
What if employer doesn't pay?
- Request in writing (have interpreter help)
- Contact labor support center (외국인근로자지원센터)
- File complaint with Ministry of Employment and Labor
- Severance pay is your legal right - you will get it
⚠️ Warning: Some employers try to avoid paying severance by claiming you "quit voluntarily." Make sure your contract completion is documented properly.
📊 Real Income Breakdown: How Much Can You Send Home?
Now that you understand salary, overtime, and severance pay, let's see real examples of how much E-9 workers can save and send home.
Monthly Income & Expenses: Three Scenarios
Profile: Service worker, minimal overtime, shared housing
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Income | |
| Base salary | ₩2,100,000 |
| Overtime (20 hours) | ₩300,000 |
| Meal allowance | ₩100,000 |
| Total Income | ₩2,500,000 |
| Deductions | |
| Pension (4.5%) | -₩112,500 |
| Health insurance (3.545%) | -₩88,625 |
| Employment insurance (0.9%) | -₩22,500 |
| Income tax | -₩50,000 |
| Total Deductions | -₩273,625 |
| Net Income | ₩2,226,375 |
| Living Expenses | |
| Dormitory/shared room | -₩200,000 |
| Food | -₩300,000 |
| Phone | -₩30,000 |
| Personal items | -₩50,000 |
| Transportation | -₩50,000 |
| Total Expenses | -₩630,000 |
| Available to Send Home | ₩1,596,375 |
Can send home: ₩1.5-1.6 million per month ($1,120-1,200 USD)
Profile: Factory worker, regular overtime, company dormitory
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Income | |
| Base salary | ₩2,300,000 |
| Overtime (45 hours) | ₩650,000 |
| Weekend work | ₩200,000 |
| Meal allowance | ₩150,000 |
| Total Income | ₩3,300,000 |
| Deductions | |
| Pension (4.5%) | -₩148,500 |
| Health insurance (3.545%) | -₩116,985 |
| Employment insurance (0.9%) | -₩29,700 |
| Income tax | -₩95,000 |
| Total Deductions | -₩390,185 |
| Net Income | ₩2,909,815 |
| Living Expenses | |
| Dormitory | -₩200,000 |
| Food | -₩250,000 |
| Phone | -₩35,000 |
| Personal/entertainment | -₩100,000 |
| Transportation | -₩30,000 |
| Savings (Korea) | -₩200,000 |
| Total Expenses | -₩815,000 |
| Available to Send Home | ₩2,094,815 |
Can send home: ₩2.0-2.1 million per month ($1,500-1,580 USD)
Profile: Construction/manufacturing worker, high overtime, experienced
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Income | |
| Base salary | ₩2,600,000 |
| Overtime (60 hours) | ₩950,000 |
| Weekend & holiday work | ₩400,000 |
| Night shift bonus | ₩150,000 |
| Meal allowance | ₩200,000 |
| Total Income | ₩4,300,000 |
| Deductions | |
| Pension (4.5%) | -₩193,500 |
| Health insurance (3.545%) | -₩152,435 |
| Employment insurance (0.9%) | -₩38,700 |
| Income tax | -₩180,000 |
| Total Deductions | -₩564,635 |
| Net Income | ₩3,735,365 |
| Living Expenses | |
| Private room rent | -₩400,000 |
| Food | -₩350,000 |
| Phone/internet | -₩50,000 |
| Personal items | -₩100,000 |
| Transportation | -₩50,000 |
| Emergency fund (Korea) | -₩200,000 |
| Total Expenses | -₩1,150,000 |
| Available to Send Home | ₩2,585,365 |
Can send home: ₩2.5-2.6 million per month ($1,880-1,955 USD)
Annual Income Summary
Over 1 year (including severance pay):
| Income Level | Monthly Sent | Annual Sent | 3-Year Severance | Total 3 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | ₩1,600,000 | ₩19,200,000 | ₩6,300,000 | ₩64,500,000 |
| Average | ₩2,100,000 | ₩25,200,000 | ₩8,500,000 | ₩84,100,000 |
| High | ₩2,600,000 | ₩31,200,000 | ₩10,500,000 | ₩104,100,000 |
Over 3 years, average E-9 worker can send home ₩64-104 million ($48,000-78,000 USD).
This is life-changing money in Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Philippines, or Indonesia.
🚀 How to Send Your Salary Home: Best Services
Now you know how much you earn and can send. Here's how to send it home smart.
Best Remittance Services for E-9 Workers
Designed specifically for E-9 visa workers
- ✅ Korean language interface
- ✅ Understands E-9 worker needs
- ✅ Low minimum amounts
- ✅ Simple registration
- ✅ Customer support for foreign workers
- ✅ Competitive rates
Best for: New E-9 workers, first-time senders
Typical cost: 3,000-6,000 KRW fee + competitive exchange rate
📖 Related: Compare E9Pay with other services in our Hanpass vs GME vs E9Pay guide.
Best exchange rates for regular senders
- ✅ Best rates in Korean market
- ✅ Rate comparison guarantee
- ✅ Real-time rate updates
- ✅ Mobile app
- ✅ Multiple countries supported
Best for: Workers who compare rates and send regularly
Typical cost: 4,000-7,000 KRW fee + excellent exchange rate
Fast and reliable transfers
- ✅ Quick processing (same-day to next-day)
- ✅ Good rates for Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal
- ✅ Easy mobile app
- ✅ 24/7 customer support
- ✅ Trusted reputation
Best for: Workers who want speed and reliability
Typical cost: 4,000-6,000 KRW fee + competitive rate
Established and trusted
- ✅ Operating since 2010
- ✅ Physical offices in Korea
- ✅ Well-known among foreign workers
- ✅ Multiple receiving options
- ✅ Good customer service
Best for: Workers who prefer established companies
Typical cost: 5,000-8,000 KRW fee + standard rate
How Much Can You Save?
Example: Sending ₩2,000,000 to Philippines
| Service Type | Fee | Exchange Rate | PHP Received | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gmoneytrans | ₩5,000 | 1 KRW = 0.0429 PHP | 85,580 PHP | Best value |
| E9Pay | ₩4,000 | 1 KRW = 0.0426 PHP | 85,008 PHP | Good for E-9 |
| Hanpass | ₩5,000 | 1 KRW = 0.0427 PHP | 85,198 PHP | Fast option |
| Bank | ₩25,000 | 1 KRW = 0.0415 PHP | 81,963 PHP | Most expensive |
Savings: Using Gmoneytrans instead of bank = 3,617 PHP more (about $66 USD difference per transfer).
Over 1 year (12 transfers): Save 43,404 PHP ($792 USD)!
💡 Smart Tip: Always compare on RemitBuddy before each transfer. The cheapest service changes based on exchange rates.
💡 Tips to Maximize Your Income
Tip 1: Understand Your Payslip
Check every month:
- ✅ Base salary matches contract
- ✅ Overtime hours are correct
- ✅ Overtime rate is 1.5x your hourly rate
- ✅ Deductions are standard amounts
- ✅ Total net pay is correct
If numbers don't match: Ask your employer or contact labor support center.
Tip 2: Don't Refuse Overtime (If You Can Work)
Overtime is where E-9 workers make the most extra money.
Example impact:
- 20 hours overtime/month = Extra ₩3.6 million/year
- 50 hours overtime/month = Extra ₩9.0 million/year
But remember: Balance work and health. Don't overwork to the point of illness.
Tip 3: Track Your Severance Pay
Every month you work adds to your severance pay. After 3 years, this is usually ₩7-10 million.
Smart planning:
- Know when you'll receive it (contract end + 14 days)
- Plan how to use it (send home, savings, etc.)
- Compare exchange rates before sending large amount
Tip 4: Use Tax Refund and Tax Incentive
E-9 workers can get:
Year-end tax refund:
- File every January-March
- Get back ₩500,000 - ₩1,500,000
- Use better rates to send home
📖 Learn More: Read our complete foreign worker tax refund guide.
Remittance tax incentive (2026):
- Send ₩2,000,000+ monthly = 10% income tax reduction
- Annual savings: ₩3,600,000 - ₩18,000,000
📖 Learn More: Read about tax incentives for foreign workers.
Tip 5: Save Money on Transfer Fees
Over 3 years on E-9 visa:
- Send ₩2 million × 36 months = ₩72 million total sent
- Bank fees: ₩25,000 × 36 = ₩900,000 lost
- App fees: ₩5,000 × 36 = ₩180,000 lost
- Savings: ₩720,000 ($540 USD) by using apps instead of banks
Use RemitBuddy to compare and save on every transfer.
Tip 6: Send Larger Amounts Less Often
Fee comparison for sending ₩2 million/month:
- Send weekly (₩500,000 × 4): Fee ₩5,000 × 4 = ₩20,000/month
- Send monthly (₩2,000,000 × 1): Fee ₩5,000 × 1 = ₩5,000/month
- Annual savings: ₩180,000 ($135 USD)
Only do this if you can manage monthly budget. Don't send money you need for living expenses.
🇻🇳 🇳🇵 🇰🇭 🇵🇭 🇮🇩 Sending Home by Country
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Average E-9 salary: ₩2.4 - 3.0 million/month
Best receiving method: Bank account or MoMo wallet
Exchange rate (example): 1,000 KRW = 17.8 VND
Sending ₩2 million monthly:
- Vietnamese Dong received: 35,600,000 VND
- Average Vietnamese salary: 5-7 million VND/month
- Your remittance = 5-7 months of local salary!
📖 Guide: Learn about real-time remittance to Vietnam.
🇳🇵 Nepal
Average E-9 salary: ₩2.3 - 2.8 million/month
Best receiving method: Bank, eSewa, or IME Pay wallet
Exchange rate (example): 1,000 KRW = 108 NPR
Sending ₩2 million monthly:
- Nepali Rupees received: 216,000 NPR
- Average Nepali salary: 30,000-50,000 NPR/month
- Your remittance = 4-7 months of local salary!
📖 Guide: See our Nepal remittance guide and eSewa guide.
🇰🇭 Cambodia
Average E-9 salary: ₩2.2 - 2.7 million/month
Best receiving method: ABA Bank, Wing Money, ACLEDA
Exchange rate (example): 1,000 KRW = 0.75 USD
Sending ₩2 million monthly:
- USD received: $1,500
- Average Cambodian salary: $200-300/month
- Your remittance = 5-7 months of local salary!
📖 Guide: Check our Cambodia remittance guide.
🇵🇭 Philippines
Average E-9 salary: ₩2.4 - 3.0 million/month
Best receiving method: GCash, Maya, or bank account
Exchange rate (example): 1,000 KRW = 42.9 PHP
Sending ₩2 million monthly:
- Philippine Pesos received: 85,800 PHP
- Average Filipino salary: 15,000-25,000 PHP/month
- Your remittance = 3-6 months of local salary!
📖 Guide: Read how to send to GCash from Korea.
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Average E-9 salary: ₩2.3 - 2.8 million/month
Best receiving method: Bank account (BCA, Mandiri, BRI)
Exchange rate (example): 1,000 KRW = 11,800 IDR
Sending ₩2 million monthly:
- Indonesian Rupiah received: 23,600,000 IDR
- Average Indonesian salary: 3-5 million IDR/month
- Your remittance = 5-8 months of local salary!
Tax benefit: Recipients pay no tax on transfers under $1,000
📖 Guide: Learn about Indonesia tax exemption.
⚠️ Common Salary Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Not Checking Overtime Pay
Many E-9 workers don't verify overtime calculations. You might be underpaid.
Solution: Calculate your own overtime pay using formulas above. Compare with payslip.
Mistake 2: Not Understanding Deductions
Some employers deduct too much or deduct items that are illegal.
Legal deductions only:
- ✅ National Pension (4.5%)
- ✅ Health Insurance (3.545%)
- ✅ Employment Insurance (0.9%)
- ✅ Income Tax (varies by income)
- ✅ Dormitory (if agreed in contract)
Illegal deductions:
- ❌ "Training fees" after you start work
- ❌ Excessive charges for tools or uniforms
- ❌ Penalties for quitting (if you give proper notice)
Mistake 3: Not Claiming Severance Pay
Some employers don't automatically pay severance. You must request it.
Solution: At end of contract, request severance pay in writing. Keep copy of request.
Mistake 4: Using Banks for Remittance
Banks take ₩20,000-35,000 fee plus bad exchange rates. You lose big money.
Solution: Use RemitBuddy to compare remittance services and save.
Mistake 5: Not Filing Tax Refund
E-9 workers can get ₩500,000 - ₩1.5 million tax refund yearly. Many don't file.
Solution: File year-end tax settlement every January-March.
Mistake 6: Working Too Much Overtime
Some workers work 70-80 hours overtime monthly. This damages health.
Solution: Balance income and health. 40-50 hours overtime is reasonable.
✅ Summary: Know Your Worth, Maximize Your Income
Understanding your E-9 visa salary, overtime pay, and severance pay helps you manage money better and send more home.
Key Takeaways:
- ✅ Minimum wage 2026: ₩9,620/hour or ₩2,010,580/month
- ✅ Average E-9 income: ₩2.4-3.0 million/month including overtime
- ✅ Overtime rate: 1.5x your hourly rate
- ✅ Severance pay: 1 month wage for each year worked
- ✅ Can send home: ₩1.5-2.6 million/month depending on income
- ✅ Over 3 years: Send ₩64-104 million home (including severance)
- ✅ Use remittance apps, not banks, to save ₩720,000 over 3 years
Action Steps:
- 📋 This Month: Check your payslip - verify overtime calculations
- 💰 Next Payment: Calculate how much you can send home
- 🔍 Before Sending: Compare rates on RemitBuddy
- 🚀 Send Home: Use best service (E9Pay, Gmoneytrans, Hanpass, GME)
- 📅 January: File tax refund to get ₩500K-1.5M back
- 💼 End of Contract: Request severance pay within 14 days
🎯 Ready to send money home? Compare remittance services now at RemitBuddy to find the best rates and save money on every transfer.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
▶💬 What is the average E-9 visa salary in Korea?
Average E-9 salary is ₩2.4-3.0 million per month including overtime. Base salary is typically ₩2.0-2.3 million (minimum wage or slightly above), with overtime adding ₩400,000-800,000. Construction and manufacturing workers generally earn more than agriculture or service industry workers.
▶💬 How is overtime pay calculated for E-9 workers?
Overtime pay is 1.5x your regular hourly rate. Calculate: (Monthly Salary ÷ 209 hours) × 1.5 × Overtime Hours. For example, if your base salary is ₩2,200,000, your hourly rate is ₩10,526, and overtime rate is ₩15,789 per hour.
▶💬 How much severance pay do E-9 workers get?
You get 1 month of average wage for each year worked. After 3 years with ₩2.5 million average monthly wage, you'd receive ₩7.5 million severance pay. After 4 years and 8 months at ₩3 million average wage, you'd get about ₩14 million.
▶💬 When do I receive severance pay?
Employers must pay within 14 days of your last working day. It's typically paid by bank transfer 7-14 days after contract completion. If your employer doesn't pay, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor or your local labor support center.
▶💬 Can E-9 workers refuse overtime?
Yes, overtime is voluntary in Korea. You can refuse without penalty. However, many E-9 workers accept overtime to increase income and send more money home. Typical overtime is 40-60 hours per month.
▶💬 How much can E-9 workers send home monthly?
After deductions and living expenses, most E-9 workers can send ₩1.5-2.6 million home per month ($1,120-1,950 USD). This depends on overtime hours, living arrangements, and personal expenses. Average workers send ₩2.0-2.1 million monthly.
▶💬 What's the best way to send E-9 salary home?
Use remittance services like E9Pay, Gmoneytrans, Hanpass, or GME Remit. Compare rates on RemitBuddy before sending. Avoid banks - they charge ₩25,000 fees plus bad exchange rates. Remittance apps charge ₩3,000-7,000 with better rates.
▶💬 Do E-9 workers pay income tax in Korea?
Yes, income tax is automatically deducted from your salary. The amount varies by income level, typically ₩50,000-180,000 per month. You can get a tax refund by filing year-end tax settlement (January-March). Most E-9 workers get ₩500,000-1,500,000 back.
▶💬 What deductions come from E-9 salary?
Legal deductions are: National Pension (4.5%), Health Insurance (3.545%), Employment Insurance (0.9%), and Income Tax (varies). For ₩2.5 million salary, total deductions are about ₩280,000-350,000. Dormitory fees (if applicable) are additional ₩150,000-300,000.
▶💬 Can I check if my employer is paying me correctly?
Yes, use the formulas in this guide to calculate your own pay. Your monthly payslip should show: base salary, overtime hours and pay, deductions, and net income. If numbers don't match, contact your labor support center (외국인근로자지원센터) for free help.
▶💬 What happens to severance pay if I change employers?
If you work 1+ year at each employer, you get severance from each company. For example, 2 years at Company A (₩5 million severance) + 1.5 years at Company B (₩3.75 million severance) = ₩8.75 million total.
▶💬 How much can I save over 3 years on E-9 visa?
Including regular monthly remittances and severance pay, average E-9 workers send home ₩64-104 million over 3 years ($48,000-78,000 USD). This includes: ₩2 million monthly × 36 months (₩72 million) + severance pay (₩7-10 million) minus living expenses.
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