[Report] The Job Market Still Says "Munsonghamnida"... Liberal Arts Graduates Turning to Coding Academies

Liberal Arts Graduates Struggling in the Job Market
Turning to Intensive Coding Academies for Career Change
6 Out of 10 Job Seekers Say "Willing to Learn Coding"
Expert: "Non-Majors Can't Excel From the Start"
"Focus on Steadily Building Your Career Rather Than Aiming for Big Companies"

A private academy district in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, known for its concentration of employment-focused private education institutions such as so-called 'coding academies.' / Photo by Lim Juhyung skepped@

[Asia Economy, Lim Juhyung] "As my military discharge and graduation approached, I started to feel anxious. I thought I should at least learn coding."

On the 27th, Mr. A, a man in his 20s whom I met near the Gangnam Station private academy district in Seoul, is currently taking an intensive programming course. He majored in business administration at a university in the Seoul metropolitan area, and instead of returning to school this semester, he plans to focus on learning coding. Mr. A said, "I saw my peers and seniors struggling to find jobs, and I realized that a diploma alone wouldn't be enough," adding, "For now, I want to build up my basic knowledge and try to get an internship at an IT company to start building my career."

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend toward non-face-to-face interactions and digital transformation has accelerated, making it increasingly difficult for liberal arts graduates to find jobs. Even in sectors traditionally considered 'liberal arts jobs,' such as banking, retail, and advertising, companies now prefer employees with IT skills. There is a growing sense of resignation among job seekers, with some saying that the once-popular phrase "Munsonghamnida" (a portmanteau of "liberal arts major" and "sorry") has become a reality.

As a result, more young people are turning to 'intensive IT academies' that offer crash courses in programming. Increasing numbers of liberal arts graduates believe it is better to receive basic coding education and start building their careers from scratch, rather than jumping into the job market unprepared.

The Gangnam area, including Daechi-dong, is reportedly a mecca for so-called 'coding academies,' catering not only to students but also to university students and office workers. In the Gangnam Station area alone, the reporters found more than three large IT-specialized academies clustered together. It was not uncommon to find institutions offering affordable education to non-majors with government funding.

◆Liberal Arts Graduates Turning to Coding Amidst Job Market Slump

The main reason young people are enrolling in coding academies is the tough job market. Student B (26), who began programming training ahead of graduation this year, said, "I kept hearing from people around me that it's become difficult for liberal arts majors to get jobs, so I started attending a coding academy," adding, "These days, people say that for liberal arts majors, the only options are to become a civil servant or learn coding and become a developer. Honestly, I'm anxious about whether I'm making the right choice."

Naver headquarters in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. As digital transformation is emphasized, job seekers' preference for IT companies is increasing. Photo by Yonhap News

Some have already found jobs but are seeking to switch to developer roles that offer much better conditions, after experiencing low pay and heavy workloads. Mr. C, who quit a marketing company after just one year, said, "I may not be able to learn to a highly professional level, but I've heard that even basic data science skills can change how you are evaluated in the job market," adding, "Rather than continuing to suffer from a meager salary and constant overtime, I think it's wiser to put in the effort now and get into a better company."

The struggles of liberal arts majors in the job market are nothing new. According to the "Monthly Labor Review: Employment Status of Higher Education Graduates" published by the Korea Labor Institute in 2019, the employment rate for job seekers with liberal arts degrees was 56.0%, the lowest among all academic fields.

They also received lower salaries compared to other majors. The same report found that the average monthly starting salary for liberal arts graduates was 2.2 million won, about 300,000 won less than the overall average of 2.5 million won. Online, a self-deprecating phrase "Munsonghamnida" emerged, reflecting how liberal arts graduates frequently fail job interviews.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic early last year, the position of liberal arts job seekers has become even weaker. As non-face-to-face services have become more prominent across society, workers with IT-related skills are increasingly in demand.

In a survey conducted in April by the job portal "Incruit" of 752 university students and job seekers in their 20s and 30s, 59.6% said they would like to learn coding if given the opportunity. In other words, 6 out of 10 job seekers are considering a career change.

◆"You Can't Be Skilled From the Start... Set Realistic Goals"

The government is also supporting retraining programs using public funds, such as the "National Tomorrow Learning Card." This program provides about 45% to 85% of the training costs needed for job seekers and employees.

A man is concentrating on preparing for employment at a study room. / Photo by Yonhap News

Experts advise that, in addition to appropriate government support, it is important for job seekers to set realistic goals and show persistence.

An official from a domestic cybersecurity company said, "I've seen many liberal arts graduates get jobs at Naver, KakaoTalk, Line, and other major IT companies. In IT positions, demand still far exceeds supply, so even non-majors can successfully change careers if they have the skills."

He added, "Those who become developers through intensive courses funded by the government may not be highly skilled from the beginning, so it's important to set realistic goals." He continued, "Rather than obsessing over getting a job at a famous company from the start, I recommend steadily building your career and then making a move."