South Korea taxi drivers face aging crisis as seniors exceed 50%

South Korea is facing a critical aging crisis in its commercial transportation sector. According to data analyzed by Representative Bok Gi-wang of the Democratic Party, more than half of all taxi drivers (50.29%) are now aged 65 or older, marking the first time this demographic has exceeded a majority.

The aging trend is also accelerating in the bus industry, where the number of drivers aged 65 and above surged by over 61% between 2022 and 2026. Conversely, the influx of younger workers has stalled; drivers under the age of 40 account for only 8.19% of the total commercial transport workforce, and represent a mere 1.11% of taxi drivers.

Experts attribute this generational disconnect to poor working conditions and low income levels, which have made these roles unattractive to younger generations. Representative Bok warned that failing to address this structural crisis could lead to a collapse of public transportation networks, particularly in smaller cities, and called for legislative measures to improve labor conditions and support younger drivers.