Home / Comparisons / Germany vs South Korea Unemployment
Germany vs South Korea Unemployment
Germany moved above South Korea in 2018. In 1991 South Korea stood at roughly 45% of Germany’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 72%, and the pair was closest in 2021 (101%).
| Year | Germany | South Korea | South Korea as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 5.32% | 2.41% | 45% |
| 1970 | 5.32% | 2.41% | 45% |
| 1980 | 5.32% | 2.41% | 45% |
| 1990 | 5.32% | 2.41% | 45% |
| 2000 | 7.92% | 4.06% | 51% |
| 2010 | 7.04% | 3.32% | 47% |
| 2020 | 3.88% | 3.93% | 101% |
| 2025 | 3.71% | 2.68% | 72% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Germany move above South Korea in Unemployment?
In 2018. Germany’s published Unemployment rose above South Korea’s that year.
How do Germany and Korea, Rep. compare today?
Germany is ahead: 3.71% against 2.68% — the trailing economy stands at about 72% of the leader.
Are these Unemployment figures nominal or adjusted?
The series is a share expressed in % of total labor force, exactly as the World Bank publishes it; movements are percentage points, not percent.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: