Seoul, South Korea – South Korea's job market experienced its slowest growth in 2023 since data collection began in 2016, according to the latest statistics released by the Statistics Korea. The nation added a mere 200,000 jobs last year, marking a significant slowdown compared to previous years.

A breakdown of the data reveals some interesting trends. While the overall job market expanded, it was largely driven by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In contrast, large corporations saw a decrease in job opportunities. Furthermore, the youth unemployment rate also rose for the first time, as the number of jobs for people in their 20s declined.

The service sector, particularly healthcare and social welfare, experienced job growth. However, sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and transportation saw a decline in employment.

Key findings from the report include:

Slowest growth on record: The 0.8% increase in jobs was the lowest since 2016.
SMEs lead job creation: Small and medium-sized enterprises were the primary driver of job growth.
Large corporations shed jobs: Large companies experienced a decrease in employment.
Youth unemployment on the rise: The number of jobs for people in their 20s declined for the first time.
Service sector growth: Healthcare, social welfare, and other service sectors saw job increases.
Experts attribute the slowdown to various factors, including a slowing global economy and structural changes in the domestic labor market. The decline in youth employment is particularly concerning, as it highlights the challenges faced by young people entering the workforce.

The South Korean government is expected to announce new policies aimed at stimulating job creation and addressing the challenges faced by different segments of the workforce.