Calculate your estimated unemployment benefits (job-seeking allowance) based on South Korean law
A system under South Korean Employment Insurance that provides benefits to insured workers who become unemployed, supporting their livelihood and re-employment during the period of active job-seeking.
Must have at least 180 days of Employment Insurance coverage within the 18 months before separation. Eligible for involuntary separation or voluntary separation with justifiable cause. Must be willing and able to work but currently unemployed.
The daily benefit is 60% of the average wage before separation. For 2026, the minimum is 80% of minimum wage (66,048 KRW) and the maximum is 68,100 KRW (first increase in 6 years). Average wage is calculated based on the average of wages received in the 3 months before separation.
Determined by length of service and age. Under 50: less than 1 year = 120 days, 1-3 years = 150 days, 3-5 years = 180 days, 5-10 years = 210 days, 10+ years = 240 days. Age 50 and over: 30 additional days per bracket (max 270 days).
You must have been enrolled in employment insurance for at least 180 days during the 18 months before separation, and the separation must be involuntary or voluntary with justifiable cause. You must be willing and able to work but unable to find employment, and must actively engage in job-seeking activities. Separation due to contract expiration, recommended resignation, or employer fault qualifies.
The number of benefit days is determined by tenure and age, ranging from 120 to 270 days. For those under 50: under 1 year = 120 days, 1–3 years = 150, 3–5 years = 180, 5–10 years = 210, 10+ years = 240. Those 50 or older or with disabilities receive 30 additional days per tier, up to 270 days.
The daily benefit is 60% of the average wage before retirement. As of 2026, the minimum is 66,048 won (80% of minimum wage) and the maximum is 68,100 won. Average wage is calculated by dividing total wages received in the 3 months before retirement by the total number of days in that period.
After leaving your job, visit your local Employment Center as soon as possible or apply online at the Employment Insurance website (www.ei.go.kr). You must receive unemployment recognition every 4 weeks during the benefit period and submit proof of job-seeking activities.
Unemployment benefits (job-seeking allowance) are payments made to insured workers who involuntarily lose their jobs, covering the period of active job-seeking. This is the core benefit of Korea's Employment Insurance system, supporting livelihood stability and re-employment. In 2026, the daily upper limit was raised to 68,100 KRW for the first time in six years. Applicants must have at least 180 days of Employment Insurance coverage within the 18 months prior to separation.
While involuntary separation is the general requirement, voluntary resignation is also recognized when there is justifiable cause — such as unpaid wages, workplace harassment, excessive commuting distance, or changes to contract terms. When applying, you must verify the separation confirmation letter and employment insurance history. Freelancers and special-type workers may be subject to separate Employment Insurance criteria.
During the benefit period, you must receive unemployment certification every 4 weeks either in person at the Employment Center or online, and submit a set number of job-seeking activity records. Fraudulent claims (receiving benefits while employed, falsifying job-seeking activities, etc.) can result in full repayment, additional penalties of up to 5x the amount received, and criminal charges. Any short-term income such as part-time work must be reported to prevent fraudulent claims.