South Korea is actively working to attract foreign workers by offering higher wages compared to Japan and Taiwan, particularly to low-skilled workers. This strategic move not only aims to address labor shortages but also to boost economic growth in various sectors.
The government has expanded its employment permit system for low-skilled foreign workers, with the annual limit increasing from 50,000 in 2021 to 165,000 in 2024. This program now includes workers in restaurants, hospitality, aquaculture industries, and plans to welcome forest workers starting in October.
To further support its industries, a new training center for the shipbuilding industry was opened in Indonesia, focusing on welding, safety, and Korean language skills. However, challenges such as the recent fire incident at a battery factory in Hwaseong that claimed the lives of foreign workers highlight the need for improved safety measures and evacuation protocols.
South Korea’s Growing Foreign Workforce
As South Korea’s population grows, driven by a 10.4% increase in foreign residents, the country faces the need to balance job opportunities for locals with employing foreign workers. The government projects that foreigners will make up 5.7% of South Korea’s population by 2042.