Monthly pay reaches 2.64 million won (based on 209 hours), up 6.5% from 2026
Siheung announced Wednesday that it has set its 2027 living wage at 12,630 won ($9) per hour, up 770 won, or 6.5 percent, from the 2026 rate of 11,860 won. Converted to a monthly figure based on a 209-hour work month, the new rate comes to 2.64 million won.
The decision reflects Siheung's ongoing labor policy commitment to supporting workers' basic livelihood stability, which the statutory minimum wage alone cannot guarantee. It also aims to build a community that respects the value of labor. Starting in 2027, the city said it will also factor in the government's "appropriate wage" standard into its living wage decisions. The standard was introduced to improve conditions for fixed-term workers in the public sector. This, it said, establishes a more reasonable and consistent living wage standard.
Siheung has set its living wage each year by weighing regional economic conditions and minimum wage levels since introducing the living wage system in 2018. From 2018 to 2026, the city raised its living wage at a rate exceeding minimum wage increases each year. The 2027 living wage will apply to workers at Siheung city offices and at organizations funded or run by the city.
Through the policy, the city said it plans to lead the way in the public sector in ensuring stable working conditions and better treatment for workers.
With this wage increase, the city said it intends to further strengthen income and livelihood security for working residents. It also aims to build a community where the value of labor is respected.
"The living wage is not simply a system for raising pay -- it is a key labor policy that improves workers' quality of life and supports sustainable growth in the community," a city official said. "We will continue to expand the living wage and other labor policies to build a Siheung where workers are respected and take pride in their work."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
