Losing your job in Korea? Unemployment benefits (실업급여) can replace part of your income while you search. In 2026 both the cap and floor rose for the first time in 7 years. Enter your details to estimate what you would receive.
| Average daily wage 3-month avg | 0 |
| Daily benefit | 0 |
| Benefit days | 0 |
| Total | 0 |
Estimate for 2026. You must meet eligibility rules — involuntary separation + 180 days of employment insurance. Check the official calculator at work24.go.kr.
What changed in 2026
Both the cap and floor rose for the first time in 7 years. With the minimum wage rising to ₩10,320/hour, the daily floor became ₩66,048 — which exceeded the old cap. So the cap was raised to ₩68,100.
How much you get
Daily benefit = average daily wage (last 3 months) × 60%
Total = daily benefit × benefit days
- Above ₩68,100 → capped at ₩68,100
- Below ₩66,048 → raised to ₩66,048
In practice, most people receive between ₩66,048 and ₩68,100 per day — roughly ₩1.98M–₩2.04M per month.
How long you get it
| Insurance period | Under 50 | 50+ / disabled |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | 120 days | 120 days |
| 1–3 years | 150 days | 180 days |
| 3–5 years | 180 days | 210 days |
| 5–10 years | 210 days | 240 days |
| 10+ years | 240 days | 270 days |
Eligibility
- ✅ Involuntary separation — layoff, contract expiry, restructuring
- ✅ 180+ days of employment insurance (within 18 months before leaving)
- ✅ Able and actively seeking work
Voluntary resignation can still qualify in some cases — unpaid wages, workplace harassment, an impossible commute (3+ hours round trip), or illness. Ask the employment center before giving up.
⚠️ Important warnings
- You have 12 months. Benefits expire 12 months after you leave — even if benefit days remain. Apply immediately.
- Report any income. Part-time work, freelance income, even ad revenue must be declared. Hiding it is fraud — repayment, penalties, and criminal charges.
- Repeat recipients (3+ times in 5 years) face benefit cuts of up to 50%.
How to apply
- Confirm your employer filed the separation certificate
- Register as a job seeker at work24.go.kr
- Complete the online eligibility course
- Visit your local employment center
- Report job-search activity every 1–4 weeks to keep receiving payments
Most recipients get ₩1.98M–₩2.04M per month. Apply right away — benefits expire 12 months after you leave.
2026 estimates; rules can change. Confirm eligibility and amounts at work24.go.kr or your local employment center (call 1350). General information only.