Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of's youth unemployment was 7.90% in 2025, ranked 48th globally. This represents a 1.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of's youth unemployment stood at 7.90% in 2025, a rise of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.72% by 2026. Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of ranked 48th globally.
The youth unemployment rate in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has fluctuated over the past three and a half decades, with a recent uptick from its all-time peak of 8.51% in 2020 to 7.90% in 2025. This represents a decline of 5.3 percentage points from its peak, but remains higher than its all-time trough of 5.54% in 1991. When compared to its peer countries, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's youth unemployment rate is relatively high, with the Democratic Republic of Congo boasting a similar rate of 7.85%. The rise and fall of the youth unemployment rate in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea could be attributed to various factors, including changes in the country's economic structure and labor market policies. However, a sustained decline in youth unemployment would require significant investments in education and job training programs, as well as a more favorable business environment to attract and retain young workers.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 7.67% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 7.69% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.72% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.90% | +0.14pp | #48 |
| 2024 | 7.76% | +0.19pp | #46 |
| 2023 | 7.58% | −0.03pp | #45 |
| 2022 | 7.61% | −0.49pp | #46 |
| 2021 | 8.10% | −0.41pp | #40 |
| 2020 | 8.51% | +0.90pp | #42 |
| 2019 | 7.61% | −0.16pp | #45 |
| 2018 | 7.77% | −0.16pp | #46 |
| 2017 | 7.92% | −0.17pp | #45 |
| 2016 | 8.09% | +0.33pp | #45 |
| 2015 | 7.76% | +0.13pp | #41 |
| 2014 | 7.63% | −0.06pp | #43 |
| 2013 | 7.69% | +0.11pp | #43 |
| 2012 | 7.58% | −0.08pp | #41 |
| 2011 | 7.65% | +0.19pp | #39 |
Analysis
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of's youth unemployment was 7.90% in 2025, a rise of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 7.72% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of's youth unemployment was 7.90% in 2025. Ranked 48th globally. This represents a 1.7% increase from the previous year.
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of's youth unemployment peaked at 8.51% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of was 5.54% in 1991.
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of ranks 48th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of's youth unemployment is projected to reach 7.72% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of in 2025 was 7.90%. This ranks 48th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea-democratic-people-s-republic-of_youth-unemployment,
title = {Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea-democratic-people-s-republic-of/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}