1️⃣ The Reality for Freelancers and Special Employment Types, and the Start of Change in 2025
"When this project ends this month, my income next month is zero. What should I do?" This is the fear of income instability that every freelancer or special employment worker (teuk-go) has experienced at least once. In the past, employment insurance was centered on regular employees, leaving those of us who work differently in a blind spot. However, the 2025 labor policy foretells a major change aiming for an 'employment safety net for everyone who works.' Now, freelancers' rights to be protected from the risk of job loss are being strengthened.
2️⃣ Resolving the Blind Spot: Core Analysis of 2025 Labor Policy
The biggest trend in 2025 labor policy is the shift to an 'income-based employment insurance system.' Previously, insurance enrollment was only possible if 'employee status' was recognized, but now the scope is widening to all employed persons generating income. This reflects the era's shift with the surge of platform workers and special employment types. In particular, with real-time income tracking infrastructure being built, the foundation is being laid to enjoy benefits without complex reporting procedures.
- Full Expansion of Applicable Occupations: The scope expands from the existing 14 occupations to over 19, including IT freelancers, cargo truck owners, and tourism interpreters.
- Easing of Income Standards: The monthly remuneration standard is lowered, or combined income application is considered, opening the way for short-term labor providers to be protected.
- Realization of Job-Seeking Benefit Requirements: Conditions for receiving benefits are detailed not only for involuntary leaving but also for leaving due to a sharp drop in income.
3️⃣ Freelancer Employment Insurance: What’s Changing and What Are the Benefits?
Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements
The main targets are Special Employment Workers such as insurance planners, workbook tutors, delivery drivers, and after-school instructors, as well as artists and platform-based labor providers like delivery riders. From 2025, discussions on expanding to other freelancer job groups are active, and if the monthly remuneration is over 800,000 KRW (per labor provision contract), enrollment becomes mandatory.
Insurance Premium Rates and Payment Methods
The unemployment insurance premium rate is 1.6% , with the employer and the labor provider each bearing 0.8% . Since the employer, who is the withholding agent, deducts and pays the premium, freelancers do not need to report separately; simply check the deduction details on your payslip (or settlement statement).
Unemployment Benefit (Job-Seeking Benefit) Levels
You can apply if you have paid insurance premiums for 12 months or more within the 24 months prior to leaving. The payment amount is 60% of the daily average remuneration for the year prior to leaving, with an upper limit of 66,000 KRW per day. The benefit period is guaranteed from a minimum of 120 days to a maximum of 270 days, depending on the payment period and age.
4️⃣ Practical Guide: From Unemployment to Maternity Benefits
- Check Employment Insurance Enrollment Status: Access the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service's Total Service (total.comwel.or.kr) and view your 'Qualification History Statement.' If the employer omitted the report, you can claim your rights through a 'Confirmation of Insured Status Request.'
- Proof of Leaving Due to Income Decrease: Unemployment benefits are available not only when a contract expires but also when income decreases by more than 30% for over 3 months, leading to resignation. Prepare bank statements or income statements in advance to prove this.
- Apply for Maternity Leave Benefits: Female freelancers who have paid insurance premiums for 3 months or more within the 18 months prior to childbirth can receive support for 90 days before and after childbirth (up to 2.1 million KRW per month). This is a benefit that is easily missed, so be sure to check it.
2️⃣ Understanding Key Insights at a Glance
The freelancer employment insurance system may seem complicated, but if you understand the core structure, you can solidly fill income gaps. Grasp the essence of the system through the details below.
Principles of Dual Acquisition and Income Aggregation
Many freelancers juggle a regular job and side hustles. In principle, dual enrollment in employment insurance is restricted, but dual coverage may be exceptionally permitted when concurrently working as a regular employee and a special employment worker (or artist). However, unemployment benefits can only be claimed when the insured status is lost at the main workplace, and losing status at both places can be advantageous for benefit calculation.
Why You Need to Understand This Concept
In these days of increasing multi-job holders, you need to clearly know under what status you are insured and based on which income your benefits are calculated upon job loss, so that the premiums you paid are not in vain.
Flexibility in Recognizing Job-Seeking Activities
Unlike general employees, for freelancers, a wide range of activities such as creative work, portfolio preparation, and business resumption preparation can be recognized as job-seeking activities. This is a measure that reflects the nature of special employment work.
Points to Know Before Moving to the Next Step
When applying for unemployment benefits, it is important to clearly appeal your job-seeking plan tailored to your job characteristics to the case officer. Remember that various activities are recognized beyond simple job applications.
5️⃣ FAQ: Myths and Truths About Freelancer Employment Insurance
💡 Practical Tip
When signing a freelancer contract, check if the contract specifies that you are 'subject to employment insurance' or includes a clause deducting insurance premiums (0.8%) from your remuneration. This serves as powerful evidence to submit to the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service in case of future disputes. A written contract, rather than a verbal one, protects your rights.
⚠️ Important Note
If you receive cash compensation for work from an acquaintance while receiving unemployment benefits, the probability of being caught through National Tax Service income data or reports is very high. If fraudulent receipt is detected, you may face repayment of the received amount, an additional collection penalty of up to 5 times, and criminal punishment, so honest reporting is the best policy.
6️⃣ Conclusion: Beyond Unstable Income, Preparing for a Secure Tomorrow
For freelancers, 'freedom' is the greatest weapon, but 'anxiety' has always been a shadowing companion. The employment insurance and protection policies for special employment types strengthened from 2025 are the minimum safety devices that lift that shadow and help us focus entirely on our work. Although the system may seem complex, claiming your rights is ultimately an investment in yourself.
As the saying goes, "Crisis becomes opportunity for those who are prepared," I hope you cultivate the strength to deal calmly with sudden income disruptions through the employment insurance information checked today. I sincerely cheer for your passionate freelancer life to become even more solid.
Access the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service Total Service right now and check your enrollment details. A small interest becomes a strong pillar for the future.
- In 2025, the scope of freelancer protection will significantly expand due to the strengthening of the income-based employment insurance system.
- Special employment workers and freelancers with monthly remuneration of over 800,000 KRW are mandatory subjects for employment insurance.
- Unemployment benefits can be claimed if premiums are paid for 12 months or more within the 24 months prior to leaving; leaving due to income decrease is also recognized.
- Maternity protection benefits such as maternity leave benefits also apply, so be sure to check them carefully.
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