[Korea] Middle Class Check
Middle Class Check — runs in your browser. Inputs are not stored.
Middle-class range (median income) (2026 standard median income)
Enter values, then press Calculate.
| Category | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Statistics Korea lower bound 50% | - |
| Statistics Korea upper bound 150% | - |
| OECD lower bound 75% | - |
| OECD upper bound 200% | - |
2026 MoHW standard median income. Equivalized income and assets are not included, so it may differ from how it feels.
How to use
- Choose household size (1–7 people).
- Enter pre-tax monthly income. It is an approximation of combined household earned and business income.
- Click Check to see % versus median 100%, and whether it falls in Statistics Korea 50–150% and OECD 75–200%.
- In the table, check each criterion’s monthly lower and upper amounts.
- Assets, debts, and equivalized income are not included, so it can differ from how it feels.
Key concepts: middle class and standard median income
Standard median income (Korea) is the midpoint income level by household size notified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It is used for welfare-benefit eligibility and is not a legal definition of “middle class.” In statistical discussion, 50–150% of the median is sometimes treated as middle class; in OECD discussion, 75–200% of median equivalized income is sometimes used.
This tool sets the 2026 standard median income amount as 100% and only shows where the monthly income you entered sits. It does not apply equivalization (household-size adjustment) or assets. The notified amounts themselves are the same as the median income 100% calculator.
Example
Enter a 4-person household, 5 million KRW pre-tax monthly, and you get the ratio versus 2026 4-person median and whether it is in the Statistics Korea band (50–150%) and the OECD band (75–200%). The same 5 million KRW as a 1-person household can raise the % versus median a lot and look outside the upper bound. Matching household size is the key.
Related: Median income 100% · Annual net pay · 2026 net-pay summary table
Frequently asked questions
Is middle class as 50–150% of median income official?
It is a split often used in statistics and the press. It is not a legal definition of middle class.
Why does it differ from OECD 75–200%?
The denominator and ratios differ. The same income can fall in or out depending on the band.
Should I enter after-tax take-home pay?
Standard median income is usually closer to a pre-tax idea. This screen compares the input as-is.
Do dual incomes add together?
Combining them as household monthly income is correct. Entering only one person’s income understates it.
Is it the same as Basic Livelihood Security eligibility?
It only shows the median ratio. Selection criteria and support duty by benefit type are separate.
Is income saved?
No. Comparison runs only in the browser.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-04