Last year, 10.4 to 1... This year, 8.8 to 1
Chungnam records the nation’s lowest at 5.4 to 1
Half are in their 20s, 13.4% are 40 or older
This year, the competition rate for the Level 9 local government civil service recruitment exam has dropped to its lowest point in the past five years. The relatively low salaries compared to private companies and a rigid organizational culture are cited as reasons for this decline.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on June 18, the number of candidates to be recruited for the Level 9 open and competitive civil service exam this year is set at 13,596. A total of 119,066 people applied, resulting in a competition rate of 8.8 to 1. This is a slight decrease compared to last year’s rate of 10.4 to 1.
Looking at the competition rates for the Level 9 open and competitive written exams over the past five years: in 2021, it was 10.3 to 1; in 2022, it dropped to 9.1 to 1; in 2023 and 2024, it was 10.7 to 1 and 10.4 to 1, respectively. This year’s competition rate is the lowest in the past five years.
By region, Busan recorded the highest competition rate at 29.1 to 1. In contrast, Chungnam had the lowest rate at 5.4 to 1. By recruitment category, the administrative field had a competition rate of 10.6 to 1, while the science and technology field recorded 6.2 to 1. By age group, those aged 20 to 29 accounted for the largest share at 48.3%. Those aged 30 to 39 made up 37.6%, those aged 40 and above accounted for 13.4%, and those aged 19 and under represented 0.6%.
Among the applicants, women accounted for 56.7%, while men made up 43.3%. The proportion of female applicants decreased slightly from last year’s 57.5%.
This year’s written exam will be held simultaneously in 17 cities and provinces on June 21. Starting with this year’s exam, the test format for Korean and English subjects will shift from a focus on rote memorization to practical job competency, and the exam duration will be extended from the previous 100 minutes to 110 minutes, an increase of 10 minutes. Specific details such as test locations by city and province can be found on the respective city and provincial websites, as well as on the Local Government Internet Application Center website. The results of the written exam will be announced in July through the websites of each city and province.
Kim Minjae, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated, "We hope that this exam will allow talented individuals from local regions to enter public service," and added, "The Ministry will actively cooperate with local governments in situation management and other areas to ensure that the written exam is conducted safely and fairly."
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