Youth unemployment hits 5-year high despite Korea's strong job growth in February

Korea added 234,000 jobs in February, marking the fastest on-year growth in five months, though a slump in youth employment and the construction sector persisted, data showed Wednesday.

2026-03-18

Korea adds 108,000 jobs in January, smallest growth in 13 months

Korea added slightly more than 100,000 jobs in January, marking the slowest on-year growth in 13 months, data showed Wednesday. The number of employed people rose by 108,000, or 0.4 percent, from a year earlier to 27.99 million last month.

2026-02-11

Record number of Koreans in their 30s took a 'rest' in August, employment data finds

A record number of Koreans in their 30s said they weren’t working or job hunting and were “just resting" in August. According to employment data for August released on Wednesday, 328,000 people in their 30s categorized themselves as “resting.”

2025-09-10

Young people drop from work force amid growing dissatisfaction with office life

According to the ministry on Monday, the number of these so-called “resting youth” has reached a record high of between 400,000 and 500,000 each month this year. Statistics Korea data show that 73.6 percent of them previously had work experience.

2025-09-02

'Resting' young people have cost Korea $38.3B since 2019, report claims

Young Koreans who are not employed or seeking jobs have cost the economy $38.3 billion in five years, according to the Federation of Korean Industries.

2025-08-18

Young Koreans are 'taking breaks' from their jobs — and their parents aren't sure when they can retire

A growing number of young Koreans are exiting the work force, impacting older generations and contributing to labor market challenges and potential social isolation.

2025-07-16

75% of unemployed young people say Korea doesn't have enough quality jobs, survey finds

More than three out of four unemployed young Koreans believe there is a lack of quality employment opportunities in the country, a survey showed Tuesday.

2025-04-22

Resurgence in long-term unemployment hits young Koreans hard

The number of young Koreans facing long-term unemployment rose in 2024, breaking a four-year streak of improvement and raising alarm about the nation’s labor market, according to a report released Tuesday by the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF).

2025-04-08

Retirement-age Koreans still support parents and children

While the age of 60 is often seen as a time for retirement and self-care, many Koreans are facing the burden of supporting both their parents and adult children.

2024-08-28

Korea adds 300,000 jobs in January but fewer young adults employed

Older workers saw the most gains. More than 350,000 adults above the age of 60 accounted for jobs added in January.

2024-02-16

korea joongAng daily