[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Last year, the number of Korean seafarers decreased by 558, while the number of foreign seafarers employed in Korea increased by 444.
According to the "2021 Seafarer Statistical Yearbook" released by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on the 30th, the total number of seafarers employed in Korea last year was 60,340. Among them, Korean seafarers numbered 33,565, down 558 (1.6%) from the previous year. Foreign seafarers increased by 444 (1.7%) to 26,775.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries analyzed that this reflects a trend of avoiding situations where seafarers are cut off from family or society during their time on board, as well as a social atmosphere that values work-life balance. It also considered that the wage gap between seafaring and land-based jobs has narrowed, making seafaring relatively less attractive.
Last year, the average monthly wage of Korean seafarers was 4.93 million won, a 4% increase from 4.74 million won the previous year. Compared to 3.64 million won in 2010, ten years ago, it increased by 35.4%.
By industry, overseas employment merchant ships had the highest average monthly wage at 7.66 million won. This was followed by distant-water fishing vessels (7.63 million won), overseas employment fishing vessels (7.32 million won), foreign-going ships (6.14 million won), coastal fishing vessels (4.13 million won), and domestic ships (3.96 million won). By major positions, maritime officers such as navigators and engineers received the highest average monthly wage of 5.66 million won. Crew members including deckhands, engine room crew, and cooks earned an average of 3.74 million won.
By age group, among Korean seafarers, those aged 60 and over accounted for the largest share at 40%, followed by those in their 50s (27%), 40s (14%), and 30s (10%).
Regarding the types of vessels where Korean seafarers are mainly employed, the largest number, 13,743 (40.9%), worked on coastal fishing vessels. Next were foreign-going ships with 8,145 (24.3%), domestic ships with 7,915 (23.6%), and overseas employment ships with 2,530 (7.5%). The fewest, 1,232 (3.7%), worked on distant-water fishing vessels.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated that due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of overseas employment seafarers decreased by 13% compared to 2019, totaling 2,530.
Kim Seokhoon, Director of the Seafarer Policy Division at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "The decrease in Korean seafarers and the aging of seafarer personnel continue to be issues. We will continue to strive to improve working conditions, enhance welfare, and strengthen capabilities through education so that young and talented individuals can enter the seafaring profession."
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