S. Korea adds 193,000 jobs in October; youth employment remains weak

South Korea Adds 193,000 Jobs in October; Youth Employment Remains Weak

South Korea continued its employment recovery in October, adding about 193,000 jobs compared to the same month last year, according to data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics cited by Yonhap on Wednesday.

The total number of employed people reached 29.04 million, marking a steady upward trend following a brief dip last December, when the country recorded a net loss of 52,000 jobs.

Ongoing Recovery Despite Sectoral Declines

The labor market has largely been on the rise this year, with 245,000 jobs added in May, a moderation to 183,000 in June, and a surge to 312,000 in September. However, certain sectors continue to struggle with job losses.

The manufacturing sector, long viewed as the backbone of South Korea’s economy, lost 51,000 jobs year over year in October, marking its 16th consecutive month of decline. Similarly, the construction industry saw job losses of 123,000, extending its slump to 18 months in a row.

Older Workers Drive Job Growth

Overall job growth in October was fueled by a rise in employment among older adults. People aged 60 and above gained 334,000 positions compared to a year earlier, while employment among workers in their 30s grew by 80,000. The younger population, however, continued to face job shortages.

“Employment among those aged 60 and older surged by 334,000 from a year earlier,” the report noted, highlighting a shift in demographic employment trends.

Author’s Summary

South Korea’s job market expanded in October mainly due to increased hiring of older workers, while manufacturing, construction, and youth employment continued to weaken.

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qazinform.com qazinform.com — 2025-11-12

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