Korea Construction Site Jobs: Daily Pay, Meals, and Housing Guide for Foreigners (2026)

Korea Construction Site Jobs: Daily Pay, Meals, and Housing Guide for Foreigners (2026)

1. What You Will Do (Main Duties)

At Korean construction sites (such as sewerage work), foreign workers play a key role in supporting skilled workers.

• Checking Obstacles: While the excavator is digging, you must carefully check for underground gas pipes or communication lines (Obstacles) to prevent accidents.

• Pipe Work & Cleanup: Assisting with the pipe installation process and cleaning up materials and the site after work.

• Agriculture (Farming): Working in a team with Korean elders to harvest, sort, and load agricultural products.

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2. Working Hours & Minimum Wage

• 2026 Minimum Wage: ₩10,300 per hour (The legal minimum is ₩82,400 for 8 hours).

• Actual Work Hours: Usually, you stay on-site for 9 hours. This includes 1 hour of unpaid break time (for meals), meaning you work a total of 8 hours.

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3. Real Daily Pay & Income

Since construction support work is physically demanding, you will receive a daily wage higher than the minimum wage.

• Average Daily Pay: For general labor (helper), you usually receive ₩130,000 to ₩150,000 (Approx. $89 ~ $103) per day. (This varies depending on the site and location.)

• Monthly Income: If you work about 25 days a month, you can expect an income of around ₩3,250,000 to ₩3,750,000 (Approx. $2,241 ~ $2,586).

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4. Meals & Housing (Room and Board)

Conditions vary by site, so be sure to check before you start.

• Meals: Provided for free at "Hamba" (site restaurants), paid for by the company at local restaurants (e.g., Gukbap), or sometimes you must pay for your own meals.

• Housing: Farming jobs often provide accommodation. However, for construction jobs in the city, you usually need to find your own room (Gosiwon or Studio).

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5. Construction vs. Farming

• Construction: Higher daily pay, but you may have to spend more on living costs (rent, food) in urban areas.

• Farming: Working with Korean elders. Daily pay may be lower, but it is easier to save money because housing and meals are often provided for free.

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6. Market Reality (Why We Need You)

Currently, there is a shortage of young workers at Korean job sites, so most of the workers are elderly. Therefore, young and hardworking foreign workers are highly valued and can find continuous job opportunities.

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7. If You Get Hurt: Safety & Insurance (Industrial Accident Insurance)

Every foreign worker in Korea has the legal right to be protected if injured on the job.

• Medical Support: In case of a work-related accident, the government covers 100% of your hospital and surgery bills.

• Disability Benefit: While you are unable to work during treatment, you will receive about 70% of your average daily wage in cash every month.

• IMPORTANT: Even if the boss offers a private cash settlement, always request official "Sanjae" (Industrial Accident Insurance) for your future safety. You can apply for this yourself at the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service, even without the company's consent.