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Japan vs South Korea Unemployment
South Korea moved above Japan in 1994. In 1991 Japan stood at roughly 86% of Korea, Rep.’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 91%, and the pair was closest in 2023 (97%).
| Year | Japan | South Korea | South Korea as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 2.41% | 2.06% | 86% |
| 1970 | 2.41% | 2.06% | 86% |
| 1980 | 2.41% | 2.06% | 86% |
| 1990 | 2.41% | 2.06% | 86% |
| 2000 | 4.06% | 4.75% | 117% |
| 2010 | 3.32% | 5.1% | 153% |
| 2020 | 3.93% | 2.81% | 71% |
| 2025 | 2.68% | 2.45% | 91% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea move above Japan in Unemployment?
In 1994. South Korea’s published Unemployment rose above Japan’s that year.
How do Japan and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 2.68% against 2.45% — the trailing economy stands at about 91% 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: