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UK vs South Korea Unemployment
United Kingdom moved above South Korea in 1998. In 1991 South Korea stood at roughly 28% of United Kingdom’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 57%, and the pair was closest in 2019 (102%).
| Year | United Kingdom | South Korea | South Korea as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 8.55% | 2.41% | 28% |
| 1970 | 8.55% | 2.41% | 28% |
| 1980 | 8.55% | 2.41% | 28% |
| 1990 | 8.55% | 2.41% | 28% |
| 2000 | 5.56% | 4.06% | 73% |
| 2010 | 7.97% | 3.32% | 42% |
| 2020 | 4.47% | 3.93% | 88% |
| 2025 | 4.75% | 2.68% | 57% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom move above South Korea in Unemployment?
In 1998. United Kingdom’s published Unemployment rose above South Korea’s that year.
How do United Kingdom and Korea, Rep. compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 4.75% against 2.68% — the trailing economy stands at about 57% 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: