Social Insurance of the Republic of Korea 2025

Published on August 7, 2025
Published by Social Cost Estimates Division

   Social insurance is an important part of a country's social security system that protects citizens from a wide range of social risks, including old age, illness, unemployment, and industrial accidents. The Korean government currently operates eight social insurance schemes to protect people from loss of income, excessive medical expenses, and other issues arising from such risks.
   Since 2024, the National Budget Assembly Office has published an annual report titled Social Insurance of the Republic of Korea, which explains the structure and status of Korea's eight social insurance schemes. This report, in its 2025 edition, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the structure and current state of Korea's social insurance, along with its operational principles and the latest statistics. Part 1, 'Understanding Social Insurance', provides the concept and operational principles of social insurance, as well as the structure, characteristics, and historical development of the social insurance system in Korea. Part 2 and Part 3 categorize social insurance into four public pension schemes and four other social insurance schemes, illustrating their operational systems, coverage (eligibility), types of benefits, and financial structures. In addition, the report presents statistical data, including the number of contributors and beneficiaries, and the financial status of each scheme.