East Asia & Pacific
Korea, Rep. Unemployment
Share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.
Latest Value
2.7%
As of 2025
YoY Change
-3.6%
2024 → 2025
Record High
7.0%
Recorded in 1998
Record Low
2.0%
Recorded in 1996
10-Year Average
3.3%
2016–2025
Data Range
1991–2025
35 data points
Source
World Bank
Code: SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Historical Trend
1991 – 2025
Analysis
Korea, Rep.'s unemployment rate of 2.68 percent of the labor force in 2025 indicates a relatively low level of unemployment. This suggests a strong labor market, with a high demand for workers. The country's economy has been driven by its high-tech industries and exports.
Historical Data
| Value | YoY Change | Change % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.7% | 0.1% | -3.6% |
| 2024 | 2.8% | 0.1% | +4.1% |
| 2023 | 2.7% | 0.2% | -6.4% |
| 2022 | 2.9% | 0.8% | -21.5% |
| 2021 | 3.6% | 0.3% | -7.4% |
| 2020 | 3.9% | 0.2% | +4.9% |
| 2019 | 3.7% | 0.1% | -2.0% |
| 2018 | 3.8% | 0.2% | +4.7% |
| 2017 | 3.7% | 0.0% | +0.1% |
| 2016 | 3.6% | 0.1% | +2.9% |
Source: World Bank Open Data · 1991–2025
Neighbouring Countries Ranking
East Asia & Pacific · Unemployment
Similar Rankings
Global · Unemployment
