Gig economy workers South Korea 2021, by service type

In 2021, delivery, transportation, and driving services accounted for nearly 30 percent of all labor provided by platform workers in South Korea. Food services followed with about 24 percent. According to the source, platform workers – also known as gig workers – are people who offer services via online platforms. Specifically, this means they have been assigned a job via a smartphone application or online website and have earned income within the last three months. It also includes people who found a job via job search websites and were eventually hired by an employer.

The rise of the gig economy in South Korea

The gig economy, characterized by the prevalence of part-time and freelance jobs instead of traditional full-time positions, has experienced rapid growth in South Korea in recent years. This trend was reinforced, among other things, by the fact that many South Koreans were looking for flexible side jobs which provided them with additional income. This trend is also reflected in the increasing number of South Koreans who have more than one job.

Working conditions of gig workers

With the rise of gig workers in South Korea, the lack of employment protection, such as employment and accident insurance, has become an increasing problem. According to a survey conducted in South Korea, more than half of the surveyed gig workers stated that they were not covered by employment insurance. Moreover, nearly 30 percent said they did not sign a contract with the platform that provided the job. Against this backdrop, more and more experts are calling for stronger protection for gig workers.