How much and how long
Korea's jobseeker benefit is daily benefit × benefit days. The daily amount is 60% of your average wage, floored at 66,048 KRW (80% of minimum wage × 8h) and capped at 68,100 KRW for 2026.
Benefit days run 120 to 270 by age and insured period: under 50 gets 120–240 days, while 50+ or disabled gets 120–270. Voluntary resignation or dismissal for serious misconduct is generally not eligible; the employment center makes the final call. See the severance calculator or salary calculator.
Can foreigners get unemployment benefits?
It depends on your visa, because foreigners are covered by employment insurance in different ways:
| Visa | Unemployment benefit |
|---|---|
| F-5 (permanent), F-2 (residence), F-6 (marriage migrant) | Covered like Koreans |
| E-9, H-2 (Employment Permit System) | Only if you applied for the unemployment portion of employment insurance |
| E-7 and other work visas, F-4 | Only if you applied to join employment insurance |
| D-7, D-8, D-9 | Covered if your home country covers Koreans (reciprocity) |
Even when you are covered, the usual conditions apply: at least 180 insured days in the 18 months before leaving, losing the job involuntarily, and actively looking for work while registered at an Employment Center. Because you must be able to look for work in Korea, payments generally stop if your stay permission ends or you leave the country. Ask the Employment Center (1350, interpretation available) to confirm your status before you quit.