Japan vs South Korea: tax rates and take-home pay (2026)
On ¥16,000,000 (about ₩137,952,800) you take home ¥10,780,318 in Japan and ₩102,068,958 in South Korea (about ¥11,838,131) — South Korea leaves you 10% more.
At every salary we checked, you keep more in South Korea.
Take-home pay at eight salary levels
| Salary (USD) | Japan | South Korea | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25K | ¥3,104,907 | ₩29,489,772 | South Korea +10% |
| $40K | ¥4,880,639 | ₩45,365,231 | South Korea +8% |
| $60K | ¥6,880,854 | ₩64,848,895 | South Korea +9% |
| $80K | ¥9,184,292 | ₩86,873,074 | South Korea +10% |
| $100K | ¥10,780,318 | ₩102,068,958 | South Korea +10% |
| $150K | ¥15,117,583 | ₩142,104,698 | South Korea +9% |
| $200K | ¥18,245,369 | ₩175,990,637 | South Korea +12% |
| $300K | ¥25,905,185 | ₩251,770,229 | South Korea +13% |
Cost of living
Compare the cost of living in Tokyo and SeoulMore comparisons
More for Japan
More for South Korea
Frequently asked questions
Is tax higher in Japan or South Korea?
At ¥16,000,000, South Korea takes less of your pay: you keep 74% there, against 67% in Japan.
What is the top tax rate in Japan and South Korea?
The top income tax rate is 55.9% in Japan and 49.5% in South Korea.
How much do I take home on ¥16,000,000 in each?
On ¥16,000,000 (about ₩137,952,800) you take home ¥10,780,318 in Japan and ₩102,068,958 in South Korea (about ¥11,838,131).
2026 rules checked against nta.go.jp. Single person, employee, no other income. Not tax advice. Change the details