South Korea Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
South Korea's unemployment rate was 2.80% in May 2026, little changed from 2.80% the previous month. A year earlier it stood at 2.70%.
South Korea's unemployment rate stands at 2.80% as of May 2026. The unemployment rate currently sits at 2.80% (little changed from 2.80% in the prior month). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 2.50% and 4.60%, and is 0.10% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, South Korea ranks #184 on unemployment rate by latest value. It was little changed from 2.80% in the previous month, and compares with a year-earlier 2.70%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | 2.80% |
| Apr 2026 | 2.80% |
| Mar 2026 | 2.87% |
| Feb 2026 | 2.90% |
| Jan 2026 | 3.00% |
| Dec 2025 | 2.79% |
| Nov 2025 | 2.80% |
| Oct 2025 | 2.70% |
Data: Source: OECD (terms permit extract/distribute, incl. commercial, with citation). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in South Korea in 2026?
South Korea's unemployment rate was 2.80% in May 2026, little changed from 2.80% the previous month. A year earlier it stood at 2.70%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in South Korea?
It was little changed in the latest reading — 2.80% in May 2026 versus 2.80% a month earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.