Korea Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Korea's unemployment rate was 2.68% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 4.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Korea's unemployment rate stood at 2.68% in 2025, a decline of +0.12pp from 2024. The IMF projects 3.00% by 2025. Korea ranked 29th globally.
Korea's unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 46 years, with the all-time peak of 6.96% occurring in 1998 and the all-time trough of 2.05% in 1996. As of the latest available data in 2025, the country's unemployment rate stands at 2.68%, ranking 29th globally, closely aligned with peer countries such as Mexico and Guinea-Bissau, which have rates of 2.67%. This indicates a relatively stable labor market in Korea compared to its peers, including Senegal with a slightly higher rate of 2.73%. The country's ability to maintain a low unemployment rate is a notable achievement, particularly when considering the challenges faced during the peak in 1998. Looking ahead, any changes in the global economic landscape or shifts in domestic policy are likely to impact the trajectory of Korea's unemployment rate, potentially altering its current stable trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 2.80% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 2.80% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 2.80% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.90% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 3.00% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 3.00% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.68% | −0.12pp | #29 |
| 2024 | 2.78% | +0.08pp | #34 |
| 2023 | 2.68% | −0.21pp | #29 |
| 2022 | 2.86% | −0.82pp | #31 |
| 2021 | 3.64% | −0.32pp | #39 |
| 2020 | 3.93% | +0.15pp | #43 |
| 2019 | 3.75% | −0.09pp | #60 |
| 2018 | 3.82% | +0.14pp | #55 |
| 2017 | 3.65% | −0.02pp | #47 |
| 2016 | 3.65% | +0.06pp | #45 |
| 2015 | 3.55% | +0.05pp | #43 |
| 2014 | 3.08% | −0.02pp | #34 |
| 2013 | 3.07% | −0.16pp | #32 |
| 2012 | 2.81% | −0.60pp | #27 |
| 2011 | 2.99% | −0.72pp | #27 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The recent headlines primarily focus on global tech market trends and China's unemployment challenges, offering limited direct information on Korea's 2.68% unemployment rate. One headline notes a "
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's unemployment rate was 2.68% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 4.2% decrease from the previous year.
Korea's unemployment rate peaked at 6.96% in 1998.
The lowest unemployment rate in Korea was 2.05% in 1996.
Korea ranks 29th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's unemployment rate is projected to reach 3.00% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Korea in 2025 was 2.68%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_unemployment-rate,
title = {Korea Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}