South Korea’s wage worker jobs increased by 314,000 in Q1 2024 compared to the same period last year, bringing the total to about 20.5 million, according to Statistics Korea. The health and social welfare sectors led the growth, adding 139,000 jobs, followed by gains in transportation, warehousing and accommodation services. Manufacturing also saw notable increases in shipbuilding, automotive parts and aerospace industries.

The data highlights a significant rise in jobs for workers aged 60 and above, while employment for those under 30 and in their 40s declined. Gender-wise, female employment outpaced male employment, with increases of 249,000 and 65,000 jobs, respectively. Job growth was observed across all types of organizations, with corporate entities leading the way.