今年韩国失业救济金发放额或创历史纪录，超过新冠疫情期间

Core Insights - The total unemployment benefits paid in South Korea for the first 11 months of this year have exceeded the record set in the same period of 2021, with expectations for the annual total to reach a historical high [1][4] - In November, the government paid 792 billion KRW (approximately 539 million USD) in unemployment benefits, marking a 6% decrease compared to the same month last year, and the first time since January that the monthly payment fell below 1 trillion KRW [1][4] Payment Trends - From February to October, the monthly unemployment benefit payments consistently exceeded 1 trillion KRW, establishing the longest streak of such payments [2][4] - Cumulative unemployment benefits paid in the first 11 months reached 11.47 trillion KRW, surpassing the previous record of 11.25 trillion KRW during the same period in 2021, when unemployment rates were high due to the COVID-19 pandemic [2][4] Employment Insurance Participation - As of the end of November, the number of individuals continuously participating in the national employment insurance program was 15.65 million, reflecting a 1.1% increase compared to the same period last year [2][4] Labor Market Conditions - The ratio of job vacancies to job seekers stands at 0.43, the lowest since November 1998, indicating a significant decrease in labor demand in manufacturing, construction, and wholesale retail sectors [3][5] - Despite improvements in the overall job market, there are notable weaknesses in employment opportunities within the manufacturing and construction industries, as well as among younger job seekers [3][5]