The rate tops next year's minimum wage by 2,057 won; about 1,280 workers across the district office and affiliated organizations will benefit — the most of any of Seoul's 25 autonomous districts
Seongdong-gu in Seoul has finalized its 2027 living wage at 12,757 won ($9) per hour, the district office said.
The living wage is a system under which employers pay workers above the statutory minimum wage to ensure they can maintain a basic standard of dignified and culturally adequate living.
The district convened its Living Wage Committee on Tuesday to review local economic conditions, the district's fiscal situation, and living wage levels set by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other autonomous districts before settling on the figure.
The newly confirmed rate represents a 636-won, or 5.2 percent, increase from the 2026 hourly living wage of 12,121 won, and sits 2,057 won above the government-set 2027 minimum wage of 10,700 won. Converted to a monthly salary based on a 40-hour workweek and 209 hours of work per month, the rate works out to 2.67 million won.
About 1,280 workers employed by the district office, the Seongdong Urban Management Corporation, the Seongdong Culture Foundation, and Seongdong Mirae Iljarri Co. will be covered by the living wage — the largest number among Seoul's 25 autonomous districts.
The rate takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and will remain in place for one year.
"I hope the living wage serves as a genuine foundation supporting workers' stable daily lives and quality of life," District Mayor Yoo Bo-hwa said. "We will continue working to create an environment where the value of labor is respected and workers can do their jobs with peace of mind."
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