South Korea has one of the best economies in the world. In fact, its GDP was around $1.647 trillion in 2019. Therefore, itโs no surprise that the highest paying jobs in Korea range across many fields.
However, if youโre looking to relocate to Korea, itโs essential to know more about the job market.
Like elsewhere in the world, business and science-related fields make the most money. However, some jobs are more desirable than others.
In this article, youโll find the highest paying jobs in Korea. If you belong to any of these fields, you should definitely consider moving to Korea.
The job market will prove highly lucrative for you.
So, what are the top 10 highest paying jobs in Korea? Letโs list them down.
Company Executives
The top spot of all highest paying jobs in Korea goes to executive management. CEOs, CFOs, and COOs can earn around 147 million won (nearly $150,000) annually.
Of course, this varies according to the type of company and industry. CEOs of Fortune 500 companies undoubtedly earn more than smaller businesses.
However, the corporate job market is very diverse and meritorious. Even small-scale entrepreneurs have the potential to franchise and make it big.
Therefore, BBA and MBA are highly popular specializations in Korea.
National Diet Members
If youโre not familiar with the Korean political structure, you wonโt know about the National Diet. Essentially, the National Diet is South Koreaโs legislative body.
It has around 710 seats (245 for the House of Councillors and 645 for the House of Representatives).
Members can make up to 140 million won ($130,000) per year.
Maritime Pilots
Thirdly, maritime pilots make around 126 million won ($110,000) annually. Itโs a highly lucrative field in Korea, especially considering the countryโs geography.
Aside from the border to North Korea, the country is completely surrounded by water.
Maritime pilots (people who steer ships) are in high demand. Since itโs a dangerous job that requires enhanced navigational skills, it pays considerably more.
Surgeons
Like in other countries, surgeons in South Korea also have some of the highest salaries. On average, surgeons make 110 million won ($100,000) per year.
Of course, the field is highly competitive. Itโs highly difficult to get into national medical universities.
Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University are two examples.
Dentists
Like surgeons, dental surgeons also have some of the highest paying jobs in Korea. They make about 107 million won ($96,000) per year.
Also similar to surgeons, dentists are also in high demand. On average, students must complete at least six years of school to qualify for the dentistry board.
Moreover, dental surgeons tend to make more than regular dentists. However, the schooling for that is longer.
Airplane Pilots
Airplane pilots earn roughly 104.7 million won ($94,000) annually. To become an airplane pilot in Korea, you must have a license from the Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA).
KOCA requires pilots to have at least 300 hours of building time before theyโre eligible for the official test. Thatโs 160 hours of commercial training and 140 of solo training.
Consequently, it takes a lot of time to pass the pilotโs test.
Ophthalmologists
If you donโt know, ophthalmologists are eye specialists. It usually takes around five years of residency training to become an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye disorders. If their specialization calls for it, some ophthalmologists perform eye surgeries too.
Generally, they make around 104.2 million won ($93,000) per year.
Health Physicians
Other than surgeons, dentists, and ophthalmologists, general health physicians also make the list.
Itโs not surprising to see so many medical professions on this list.
In Korea, health physicians make at least 95 million won ($85,000) yearly. Unlike surgeons, health physicists only diagnose and provide external treatment for illnesses.
Korean Medicine Doctors
What are Korean medicine doctors exactly? Well, these are independent medical professionals who use traditional East Asian treatments like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping.
Such treatments date back centuries and are still highly popular in East Asian countries, including Korea.
Being paid 92.23 million won on average, traditional medicine practitioners undoubtedly have some of the highest paying jobs in Korea. Thatโs around $83,000.
Civil Servants (Upper Level)
Lastly, civil servants have the tenth spot on the list. Theyโre also highly paid with an average annual salary of 92.01 million won ($82,000).
Of course, like in other countries, the civil servant exam is incredibly difficult. It usually takes years to pass.
However, the pay is highly motivating.
Conclusion
All in all, these were just a few examples of the highest paying jobs in Korea. There are many lucrative markets in the country. From medicine to law, there are many opportunities for growth.
If youโre interested in any of these fields, consider moving to Korea. The country has much to offer.
However, before you can move there, youโll need to learn the language. Here are five apps to help you get started.
