Employment rate South Korea 2000-2024, by gender

In 2024, the employment rates in South Korea were approximately 70.9 percent for men and 54.7 percent for women. While the employment rate for men was significantly higher than that for women, the rate for women has steadily increased over the past decade.

Gender equality in South Korea

Gender equality is a crucial issue in South Korea. The country has the largest pay gap between men and women among OECD nations. Despite numerous efforts to promote women's rights, the gap remains significant across all areas of society. Although more women are taking on leadership and decision-making roles, a survey indicated that few respondents are optimistic about a near-term improvement in gender inequality.

Changing perspectives on career and marriage

As more women enter the workforce, fewer South Korean women are choosing to marry and start families. An increasing number of South Korean women are opting to delay or forgo marriage altogether, reflecting a growing sentiment that marriage is not a necessity for a fulfilling life. According to a survey, one of the primary reasons South Korean women are avoiding marriage is simply that they do not feel the need to get married. This trend is reflected in the country's birth rate, which has fallen to a record low of 0.78 births per woman in 2023, making it the lowest among the OECD nations.