More than half of South Korea’s younger job seekers prioritize practical working conditions like wages and environment over company prestige, according to a survey released by the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF). magazine.hankyung.com reported that 56.5% of workers aged 19 to 39 favor substantive conditions over brand recognition when choosing employment.
Wage Levels and Work Environments Drive Young Job Seeker Priorities
Conducted between August 26 and September 9 among 1,000 young adults, the survey shows that wage level is the single most critical factor at 64.7%. Working hours follow closely at 51.9%, while employment stability registers at 50.9%. Among respondents already working at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the preference for tangible working conditions rises to 64.5%.
Conversely, the primary reasons young people avoid SME jobs include poor working environments and organizational culture at 52.3%, followed by low wages at 49.8%. Career uncertainty and growth concerns account for 36.4%, with employment stability fears at 36.3%.
Short Tenures and Regional Reluctance Highlight Retention Challenges
Among 191 respondents with actual SME work experience, 58.7% stayed at their jobs for less than a year. Low wages caused 41.4% of departures, while poor environments and excessive work hours each drove 37.2% of resignations. When considering non-capital region SME jobs, 55.3% of young adults expressed willingness to move if specific conditions are met. Housing support ranks as the top requirement at 55.2%, ahead of competitive regional wages at 47.5% and transit support at 43.9%. Meanwhile, 61.3% cited the burden of living far from family and friends as their main reason for rejecting non-capital region jobs.
Negative Employment Outlook and Policy Demands
South Korea’s youth labor market outlook remains deeply pessimistic. 46.6% of respondents reported fewer hiring opportunities compared to the previous year, far outweighing the 7.0% who saw an increase. Looking ahead, 40.3% expect hiring to shrink further next year. Job seekers point to entry-level demands for practical work experience at 52.0% and a growing preference for mid-career hiring at 48.7% as major barriers.
To boost long-term retention in SMEs, 40.2% of young respondents called for economic support like employment grants and income tax reductions. Furthermore, 62.0% urged the government to prioritize raising wage and welfare levels for currently employed youth.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Korea’s Youth Job Market
What exact age group did the Korea Enterprises Federation survey?
The survey targeted young adults aged 19 to 39 living across South Korea.
How many young workers participated in the KEF research?
A total of 1,000 young people took part in the survey conducted from late August to early September.
What percentage of young SME workers quit within their first year?
Among respondents with direct SME experience, 58.7% reported a total working duration of under one year.
What government intervention do young workers want most for SMEs?
Improving the wage and welfare levels of currently employed young workers was selected as the top priority by 62.0% of respondents.
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