South Korean youth navigate career pressures and educational opportunities

In South Korea, diverse social trends are shaping how young people spend their time during traditional holidays and educational milestones.

Supported by Gyeongsangnam-do and the Gyeongsangnam-do Scholarship Foundation, 30 university students from the region participated in a month-long intensive English language program in the United States. Students attended level-specific courses at Towson University, focusing on improving conversational skills and cultural adaptability through field trips and local interactions.

Meanwhile, as the Chuseok holiday approaches, many young people are choosing to spend the break alone to focus on career and academic goals. At Chonnam National University and various study cafes, students are opting to study for civil service exams and job recruitment seasons rather than returning to their hometowns. This trend, often referred to as ‘honchu-jok’ (those spending Chuseok alone), is driven by the pressure of competitive job markets and the desire to avoid stressful social inquiries from relatives regarding employment and marriage.