Eligibility generally needs at least 180 insured-unit days in the prior 18 months, a qualifying separation and active job search. Daily and total amounts depend on personal facts.
Eligibility
A common threshold is 180 employment-insurance unit days in the 18 months before leaving, inability to find work despite willingness and ability, a qualifying reason for separation, and active reemployment efforts. Some voluntary separations may qualify for recognized good cause.
Daily amount
The reference formula is 60% of the daily wage base, subject to limits. For an eight-hour daily schedule in 2026, the guide shows a KRW 66,048 lower limit and KRW 68,100 upper limit. A different scheduled daily length changes the lower limit.
Duration
Payable days generally range from 120 to 270 depending on age, disability status and insured period. A 45-year-old with six insured years is in the 210-day band in the guide’s table.
Apply promptly
The benefit period is generally 12 months from the day after separation, so unused payable days may expire. A seven-day waiting period follows the unemployment report. The employment center decides actual eligibility and amount.