If monthly income is 80ten thousand won, a path to employment insurance enrollment has opened

The Ministry of Employment and Labor 2026year 7month 10day announced that it would change the standard for employment insurance coverage from working hours to income. Those with monthly remuneration of 80ten thousand won or more will be able to enroll in employment insurance regardless of working hours.

This reform plan includes changes to provisions related to the Employment Insurance Act and the Act on the Collection of Insurance Premiums for Employment and Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance, and the procedures for amending the laws are under way. The government plans to finalize the implementation date and specific application measures after revising the relevant laws and subordinate regulations.

The government described the reform as a measure toward "employment insurance for all citizens." The aim is to ensure that some low-income and short-time workers whose enrollment was limited under the current working-hours standard can receive protection based on income.

The specific implementation date and methods for collecting and managing insurance premiums will be determined through future legislation and subordinate regulations. The bill will undergo review by the National Assembly.

The announcement made clear that this policy change is aimed at expanding the scope of worker protection. At the same time, the detailed design of the covered groups and insurance premium system is expected to become an issue going forward.

The announcement was made on 7 month 10 day. Further notices will be issued once the schedule for amending the law and detailed implementation measures are determined.