South Korea's 2026 Minimum Wage Hike to Boost Earnings for Over 25,000 Filipino Workers
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed a significant pay raise for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in South Korea, following the host country's adoption of a new minimum wage for 2026. This adjustment, which took effect on January 1, is set to benefit thousands of Filipino employees across various sectors.
Details of the Wage Increase
In an official advisory released on Friday, February 6, 2026, the DMW outlined the specifics of the wage hike. The Republic of Korea's Minimum Wage Commission has implemented a 2.9 percent increase, raising the minimum hourly wage from 10,030 Korean Won to 10,320 Korean Won. This change is mandated under Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) Notice No. 2025-47 and applies universally to all industries in the country.
The DMW estimates that this adjustment translates to an average monthly wage of approximately 2,156,880 Korean Won for workers. Based on a standard monthly workload of 209 hours, this equates to around PHP 86,000, providing a substantial boost to the earnings of affected OFWs.
Impact on Filipino Workers
According to the DMW, the wage hike will directly benefit 25,606 Filipino Employment Permit System (EPS) workers who earn the minimum wage in South Korea. These employees are spread across diverse sectors, including manufacturing and caregiving, ensuring that Filipino workers receive equal treatment alongside their local counterparts.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has been actively engaged with the Filipino community in South Korea, as evidenced by a recent photo taken on October 30, 2025, where he posed with workers at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan. This interaction underscores the government's commitment to supporting OFWs abroad.
Background on South Korea's Wage Policy
South Korea conducts an annual review of its minimum wage, taking into account various economic and social factors. The process considers elements such as:
- Cost of living adjustments
- Current wage levels across industries
- Labor productivity metrics
- Income distribution trends
- Specific industry requirements
This systematic approach aims to balance the needs of workers with the operational capabilities of the business sector, fostering a fair and sustainable labor market. The 2026 increase reflects this ongoing effort to align wages with economic conditions.
The announcement highlights the positive developments for OFWs in South Korea, reinforcing the importance of international labor standards and the DMW's role in safeguarding the welfare of Filipino workers overseas.
