KUALA LUMPUR - More than half of foreign workers in South Korea holding so-called professional visas now earn more than 3 million won (US$2,000) a month, according to new government data released on Tuesday.

The findings were published in a survey by the Ministry of Data and Statistics examining wages, working hours and job satisfaction among foreign employees, as reported by The Korea Times. 

The report found that over half of workers holding professional visas reported monthly incomes of at least 3 million won.

Professional visa categories include professors under the E-1 visa, foreign language teachers under E-2, researchers under E-3 and technical experts under E-4.

Other categories include licensed professionals under E-5, artists and performers under E-6 and specific-activity workers under E-7.

Across all foreign workers in the country, 50.2 per cent said they earned between 2 million and 3 million won per month.

Another 36.9 per cent reported earning more than 3 million won monthly.

In contrast, lower-skilled migrant workers holding E-9 visas were largely concentrated in lower wage brackets.

The survey showed that 68.9 per cent of E-9 workers earned between 2 million and just under 3 million won per month.

The data also highlighted long working hours among foreign employees.

Among foreign workers overall, 58.1 per cent reported working between 40 and 50 hours per week.

Another 17.8 per cent said they worked between 50 and 60 hours weekly.

A further 8.7 per cent reported working 60 hours or more each week.

Despite the long working hours, job satisfaction among foreign workers remained relatively high.

The survey found that 68.7 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied with their current jobs.

Satisfaction levels were highest among E-9 visa holders, with 77 per cent reporting they were content with their employment.

Only 10.8 per cent of foreign workers said they were considering changing jobs.