Pay gap widens between regular and non-regular workers in South Korea

The pay gap between regular and non-regular workers in South Korea has widened over the past four years, according to data from Statistics Korea. 

The average monthly pay for regular staff hit 3.33 million won (US$2,790) in 2021, marking a 17% rise from 2.85 million won in 2017. 

However, over the same period, the average pay for non-regular workers rose only 12.7%, from 1.56 million won (US$1,315) to 1.76 million won (US$1,483).

Temporary workers, part-timers and staff who are underemployed are classified as non-regular workers in South Korea. The proportion of non-regular workers in the country has also been increasing, rising from 6.57 million in 2017 to 8.06 million in 2021.

READ: South Korea sees increase in non-regular jobs in 5 major cities

Almost half of female employees were in non-regular jobs, comprising a record 47.4%, which is the highest proportion since the data was first compiled in 2003, writes The Korea Herald.