The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in South Korea are set to receive higher wages this year following the approval of a 2.9 percent increase in the country’s minimum wage effective January 1.
In a statement released Friday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the adjustment will benefit 25,606 Filipino workers employed under South Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS) who are earning the minimum wage.
“Pursuant to Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) Notice No. 2025-47, the Republic of Korea has increased its minimum hourly wage from KRW (Korean Won) 10,030 to KRW 10,320,” the DMW said in Advisory No. 5.
The agency said the revised rate translates to an average monthly pay of KRW 2,156,880, or roughly ₱86,000, based on the standard 209-hour monthly workload.
The increase applies across all industries, including manufacturing and caregiving, ensuring Filipino workers receive the same wage benefits as their Korean counterparts.
South Korea reviews its minimum wage annually, taking into account factors such as cost of living, productivity, wage levels, income distribution, and industry conditions to balance worker welfare and business sustainability.