Nurse salary in South Korea

The average nurse salary in South Korea in 2024 is KRW 53,196,000 per year (KRW 4,433,000 per month, or KRW 1,023,000 per week). This figure represents gross annual earnings before income tax and social contributions. Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate.

Nurses in South Korea earn between KRW 34,577,400 and KRW 77,134,200 per year in 2024. The spread reflects differences in experience level, employer size, sector (public vs private), and geographic location within the country.

A nurse in South Korea earns approximately KRW 4,433,000 per month (gross) in 2024, based on an annual average of KRW 53,196,000. Monthly take-home pay will be lower after income tax and social security deductions, which vary by individual circumstances and applicable tax brackets in South Korea.

Entry-level nurses in South Korea typically earn between KRW 34,577,400 and KRW 45,216,600 per year in 2024. Salaries at the junior level are generally 15–35% below the national average, increasing with professional certifications, years of experience, and specialisation.

Yes. Based on available data, Nurse salaries in South Korea have grown by approximately 18% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.

Whether KRW 53,196,000 per year is a good nurse salary in South Korea depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2024 national average — earners above this level are in the upper half of the pay distribution for this occupation. Factors that influence individual compensation include employer type (multinational vs. local), city (capital cities typically pay 10–25% more), qualifications, and years of experience.

South Korea's nurse salary of KRW 53,196,000/yr (among comparable economies) is higher than 6 countries and lower than 2 countries in the Asia region as of 2024. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.