Daily benefit = 60% of average wage, capped at ₩68,100 (from 1 Jan 2026). Floor = minimum wage (₩10,320) × 80% × daily contracted hours (₩66,048 for 8 hours).
Benefit days depend on insured period and age (Employment Insurance Act, Annex 1).
Requirements: 180+ insured days in the last 18 months, involuntary job loss, and active job seeking.
Foreign workers: employment insurance is mandatory for some visas (e.g., F-2, F-5, F-6) and optional or not applicable for others. E-9/H-2 workers are generally covered only for certain benefits — check with the Employment Center (1350).
FAQ
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Korea in 2026?
₩68,100 per day for those who left on or after 1 January 2026. The minimum is ₩66,048 per day for an 8-hour worker.
Can foreigners get unemployment benefits in Korea?
Foreign residents covered by employment insurance (mandatory for F-2, F-5, F-6 visas, optional for some others) can receive benefits if they meet the conditions.
Worked example
Example: with ₩3,000,000 average monthly pay, 60% of the daily average wage is ₩59,178, below the 2026 daily floor of ₩66,048, so the floor applies. With 3–5 years of insurance and under age 50, you receive 180 days — about ₩11.9 million in total.
Common mistakes
Quitting voluntarily usually disqualifies you unless there is a legally recognised reason.
You need at least 180 insured days in the 18 months before leaving.