North Korea: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in North Korea?

The International Labour Organization's modelled estimate puts North Korea's unemployment rate at 3.5% of the labour force in 2025, according to World Bank data. The modelled rate for young people aged 15 to 24 is 7.9%, according to the youth unemployment series.

These are ILO model estimates, not figures from a DPRK labour force survey: the ILO fills gaps for countries without survey data using statistical relationships observed elsewhere. No official labour or wage statistics were found on the official DPRK sites naenara.com.kp, kcna.kp, rodong.rep.kp and mfa.gov.kp, which returned errors or could not be reached when checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Unemployment rate (ILO modelled), DPRK · World Bank: Youth unemployment (ILO modelled), DPRK

How high is unemployment in North Korea?

The ILO puts the unemployment rate in North Korea at 3.5% in 2025. The peak was 3.7% in 2021 and the low 3.4% in 2018. It is 10th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.9%. World rank, highest first: 117th of 174.

What is the youth unemployment rate in North Korea?

In 2025, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in North Korea was 7.9%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.5% (2010) to 8.5% (2020). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 7.5%, and North Korea placed 12th highest of 24. Worldwide: 127th of 174.

What is the labour force participation rate in North Korea?

In 2025, the labour force participation rate in North Korea was 82.2%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 82.2%; its low point was 2020, at 80.6%. It is 3rd highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 65.3%. Worldwide: 7th of 174.

How many women in North Korea are working or looking for work?

77.7%: that is the labour force participation rate for women in North Korea for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 77.8%; its low point was 2020, at 76.3%. East Asia & Pacific median: 56.3%; North Korea is 2nd highest of 24. Worldwide: 6th of 174.

What is the employment rate in North Korea?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 79.2%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 77.7% (2020) to 79.4% (2018). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 63.1%, and North Korea placed 3rd highest of 24. Worldwide: 8th of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in North Korea?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 56.8%. The peak was 57.5% in 2020 and the low 56.2% in 2016. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 40.0%, and North Korea placed 7th highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 46th highest.

How many people in North Korea are employees?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are paid employees in North Korea at 37.9% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2016, at 38.5%; its low point was 2020, at 37.3%. It is 19th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 56.8%. Worldwide: 133rd of 174.