The Unification of the Social Insurance Contribution Collection System in Korea

Korea introduced industrial accident insurance (IACIS) in 1964, medical insurance (MIS) in 1977,pension insurance (NPS) in 1988 and employment insurance (EIS) in 1995. In line with Korea’s economicdevelopment, social insurance coverage has grown rapidly, and contribution coverage rates now generallyexceed 80% for regular workers. However, the four social insurance systems developed separately. Themain split in contribution collection methods has been between the insurances under the Ministry ofLabour (EIS and IACIS) and those under the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MIS and NPS), althoughthere are also some differences between MIS and NPS. About 50% of the staff in each system has beenengaged in collection activities...