Gender Gaps in Labor Market Participation Found to Be High in Korea

According to a poll, among the 38 OECD members, South Korea has the seventh-largest gender disparity in terms of involvement in economic activities. The gender gap in the economically active population was 18.1% as of 2021, which is 7.2% points higher than the OECD average of 10.9%. Though the gender gap in Korea has decreased from 22.4% in 2013 to now, it is still an alarming indicator given that the proportion of Korean women enrolling in college is the highest in the world. Eight out of ten Korean women enroll in college.

Source : according to the OECD’s report on gender equality released on the 11th

Due to the inability of society to establish a setting where women can continue to work, Korea has a significant gender gap. The most recent figures show that the female employment rate exhibits a ‘M-shaped’ curve, peaking in the 20s and declining in the 30s. Marriage and giving birth mark the turning moment.

Source : Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

Because of this reality, women are turning to non-regular jobs, such as part-time work, where they can care for children amid their low salary. Even if they return to work, this results in a situation where they quit their positions due to low pay. The shameful record of the lowest birth rate in the entire history of the globe is being updated every year, a vicious cycle where career breaks cause women to put off marriage.

Gender Gaps in Labor Market Participation Found to Be High in Korea