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[BUSINESS] · South Korea · 5 sources

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Part of situation: South Korea labor market shifts (2 clusters)

South Korea non-regular workers reach record 8.67 million

non-regular workers wage gap South Korea labor market National Data Agency employment statistics

South Korea's non-regular workforce reached a record high of 8.67 million in August, accounting for 38.5% of all wage earners. According to data from the National Data Agency, the number of non-regular workers increased by 103,000 over the past year, while regular workers grew by only 10,000. This means non-regular workers accounted for over 91% of the total increase in wage earners.

The wage gap between regular and non-regular employees has widened to a record 1.94 million won per month. While regular workers' average monthly wages rose by 156,000 won (4.0%), non-regular workers' wages increased by only 24,000 won (1.1%). Consequently, non-regular wages have fallen to just 52.1% of the level of regular wages.

The growth in non-regular employment was primarily driven by the elderly population (aged 60 and over), which saw an increase of 135,000 workers. This demographic now makes up 36.7% of all non-regular workers. In contrast, non-regular employment among those aged 15–29 and in their 40s decreased.

By industry, the health and social welfare sector saw the largest increase, with 112,000 more non-regular workers. Other sectors showing growth included accommodation and food services, while information technology and public administration saw declines.

Entities

National Data Agency · South Korea

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Sources

비정규직 867만명 역대 최대…정규직과 월급 차이 194만원 - 매일신문 [www.imaeil.com]
늘어난 임금근로자 91%가 비정규직…정규직과 월급 차 194만원 [biz.heraldcorp.com]
비정규직 867만명 ‘역대 최대’…정규직과 임금 격차도 더 벌어져 [www.hani.co.kr]
정규직·비정규직 월급 격차 194만원… 역대 최대 [h21.hani.co.kr]
[사설] 정규직 1만명, 비정규직 10만명… 1년 새 더 벌어진 격차 [www.seoul.co.kr]