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Korea severance pay calculator

Estimate the severance pay you receive after one year or more of work.

Based on 2026 Korean rates. Last updated: 2026-07

₩
Gross pay for the 3 months before leaving, before tax.
₩
₩

Severance statement

Estimated severance pay

₩9,008,219

Breakdown

Tap a line to see the math

  • Days employed1,096 days

    Mar 1, 2023 → Mar 1, 2026 = 1,096 days

  • Wages counted (3 months)₩9,000,000

    ₩9,000,000 + ₩0 × 3/12 + ₩0 × 3/12 = ₩9,000,000

  • Average daily wage₩100,000

    ₩9,000,000 ÷ 90 days = ₩100,000

  • Estimated severance pay₩9,008,219

    ₩100,000 × 30 × 1,096 ÷ 365 = ₩9,008,219

Each extra month of work adds about ₩250,000 to your severance pay.

Inputs are saved on this device only.

Results are estimates for reference only and are not tax or legal advice. Actual amounts can differ depending on your contract, employer and individual circumstances.

How it is calculated

Who is entitled to severance pay in Korea?

Under the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act, any worker who has worked for the same employer for at least one year and at least 15 hours a week is entitled to severance pay. This applies to foreign workers in exactly the same way as Korean workers, regardless of visa type.

The severance pay formula

Severance pay equals your average daily wage × 30 days × (total days employed ÷ 365). The average daily wage is all wages paid in the 3 calendar months before your leaving date divided by the number of days in that period. Three-twelfths of any bonuses and annual leave allowance paid in the last year are added to the 3-month wages.

Departure guarantee insurance for E-9 and H-2 workers

Employers of E-9 and H-2 workers pay monthly into a departure guarantee insurance (출국만기보험) instead of paying severance directly. You can claim it within 14 days of leaving Korea. If the insurance amount is less than your legal severance pay, the employer must pay the difference.

Frequently asked questions

›When must my employer pay my severance?

Within 14 days of your last day of employment, unless you both agree in writing to extend the deadline. Late payment incurs 20% annual interest.

›Is severance pay taxed?

Yes, but it is taxed separately as retirement income at a much lower effective rate than your salary. This calculator shows the amount before retirement income tax.

›Do part-time workers get severance pay?

Yes, if you worked at least 15 hours a week on average for at least one year with the same employer.

›What if I worked 11 months?

Severance pay is only required after one full year. Working 364 days does not qualify, so check your exact dates before resigning.

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