South Korea Jobless Rate Edges Up to 2.8% in April

2026-05-12 23:04 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

South Korea’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched up to 2.8% in April 2026 from March’s five-month low of 2.7%.

The economy added 74,000 jobs during the month, marking the smallest increase in 16 months after job gains had exceeded 200,000 for two consecutive months, bringing total employment to 28.961 million.

A smaller increase in employment came amid persistent weakness in mining & manufacturing, and construction.

Employment also fell in agriculture, forestry & fishing, as well as wholesale & retail trade and accommodation & food services.

Meanwhile, gains were recorded in electricity, transport, communication & finance, and business, personal, and public services.

Meanwhile, the number of unemployed fell to 853,000 in April, down 2,000 or 0.2% year-on-year.

The labor force participation rate rose to 64.9%, from 64.6% in March.



News Stream
South Korea Jobless Rate Edges Up to 2.8% in April
South Korea’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched up to 2.8% in April 2026 from March’s five-month low of 2.7%. The economy added 74,000 jobs during the month, marking the smallest increase in 16 months after job gains had exceeded 200,000 for two consecutive months, bringing total employment to 28.961 million. A smaller increase in employment came amid persistent weakness in mining & manufacturing, and construction. Employment also fell in agriculture, forestry & fishing, as well as wholesale & retail trade and accommodation & food services. Meanwhile, gains were recorded in electricity, transport, communication & finance, and business, personal, and public services. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed fell to 853,000 in April, down 2,000 or 0.2% year-on-year. The labor force participation rate rose to 64.9%, from 64.6% in March.
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South Korea Jobless Rate Falls to 5-Month Low
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