Can foreigners get unemployment benefits in Korea?

Yes, if your job was covered by employment insurance and you meet the same conditions as Korean workers. Whether you were covered depends on your visa. What to do 1. Check your visa: for some statuses coverage is automatic, for many work visas only if you were enrolled by application. See the current list on Easy Law or ask the employment center. 2. Confirm you were actually enrolled: ask your employer or call 1350. 3. Check the main conditions: at least 180 insured days, usually within the 18 months before you left; leaving involuntarily or for a reason the law accepts; and being able to work and actively looking. 4. Register as a job seeker on Work24 and take the online orientation, then apply at your local employment center (고용센터) with your ID. Good to know • Quitting for personal reasons usually doesn't qualify. Ask the employment center whether your reason counts before you apply. • Benefits are paid only within 12 months from the day after you left, so don't wait. • Your visa must still let you stay in Korea while you look for work; ask 1345 if unsure. Official sources • Easy Law – four social insurances (coverage by visa): https://www.easylaw.go.kr/CSM/SubCnpclsCmd.laf?csmSeq=2808&ccfNo=1&cciNo=1&cnpClsNo=1 • Ministry of Labor – how to apply: https://www.moel.go.kr/faq/faqView.do?seqRepeat=219 • Seoul FAQ – when foreigners qualify: https://global.seoul.go.kr/hmpg/sinf/cnew/faqu/bordContDetail.do?mode=W&bbs_no=13&pst_no=0FBB191A00DC0168E063C0A8A02383D0&lang=en This is general information, not legal advice. Checked by the Verihood team on October 3, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you act.