Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Check
To get unemployment benefits in Korea you need 180+ insured days in the 18 months before leaving, an involuntary separation (or a legally justified reason to quit), the ability and will to work, and an active job search. Answer four questions to see where you stand.
1In the 18 months before leaving, did you have 180+ insured paid days?
With 5-day weeks, about 8 months of work is usually enough. Paid weekly holidays count.2Why did you leave?
3Are you able and willing to work, and ready to job-seek?
4Were you insured before turning 65?
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Calculate how much you get
Basis: Employment Insurance Act Art. 40 (requirements) and Art. 58 (disqualifying reasons), Enforcement Rule Annex 2 (justified reasons for quitting). Source: law.go.kr, checked 7 Oct 2026. Your local employment center makes the final call.
The 4 conditions
- 180+ insured days in the 18 months before leaving (Art. 40-1-1).
- Involuntary separation — layoff, contract end, closure — or a justified reason listed in Rule Annex 2.
- Able and willing to work but not yet employed.
- Active job search, proven on each recognition date.
When quitting still qualifies
- Unpaid wages or pay below minimum wage for 2+ months within the last year
- Workplace or sexual harassment
- A relocation that made the round-trip commute 3+ hours
- Illness, family care, pregnancy or childcare when the employer refused leave
- Certain closure or planned mass layoffs
How to apply
- Check that your employer filed the separation report.
- Register as a job seeker on Work24 (work24.go.kr) and take the online orientation.
- Apply at the employment center for your address, with ID.
- After the 7-day wait, prove your job search on each recognition date.
FAQ
Can I get benefits if I quit?
Usually not, but yes if one of the justified reasons in the Enforcement Rule Annex 2 applies — e.g. unpaid wages for 2+ months in the last year, workplace harassment, a 3+ hour round-trip commute after relocation, or illness/care/childcare when leave was refused.
How are the 180 days counted?
Paid days (including paid holidays) while insured in the 18 months before leaving. With 5-day weeks that is roughly 8 months of work.
Does a contract ending count?
Yes. A fixed-term contract ending is a justified separation.
Can people over 65 qualify?
Yes if you were insured before turning 65 and stayed insured. People first hired at 65 or older are not covered.