Recruiting Engineers for Gwangju, Hwaseong, and Sohari Plants
Applications Close at 3:00 p.m. on the 29th
Kia’s announcement to hire around 200 production engineers has energized the job market. The recruitment notice for Kia’s production positions, which are referred to as “Kingsan-jik” (a portmanteau of “king” and “production job”) among job seekers due to their high salaries and excellent benefits, has attracted a flood of applications from the very first day.
Kia Begins 'Kingsan-jik' Recruitment... Around 200 Positions
On August 18, Kia announced job openings for engineers at three domestic plants: Gwangju, Hwaseong, and Sohari (Gwangmyeong). Applicants must have at least a high school diploma (as of the application deadline) and must not have any disqualifying factors for overseas travel or visa issuance. Male applicants must have completed or been exempted from military service. Those with experience or certifications in electrical, mechanical, or automotive engineering will be given preference.
The recruitment process consists of: document screening, competency and physical tests, and interviews. Although the exact number of hires has not been disclosed, industry insiders estimate it to be at least 200. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on the 29th.
100 Million KRW Annual Salary and Guaranteed Retirement... "A Dream Job"
Kia’s production positions are considered “dream jobs” among job seekers, often called “Kingsan-jik,” thanks to average annual salaries in the 100 million KRW range and guaranteed retirement. According to the Financial Supervisory Service’s electronic disclosure system, Kia’s average salary per employee in 2023 was 127 million KRW. The retirement age for Kia production workers is 60, and the re-employment period for retirees (as contract workers) has been extended from a maximum of one year to two years. In addition, Kia posted record annual results last year, with sales of 99.8084 trillion KRW and operating profit of 11.6079 trillion KRW.
Employee discounts on vehicle purchases are also a notable benefit. Long-term production employees who receive a so-called “lifetime employee ID” can buy a new car every three years at up to a 25% discount until the age of 75, even after retirement. For example, an employee can purchase a new car worth 50 million KRW for 37.5 million KRW, drive it for three years, sell it as a used car at a price close to the purchase value, and then use that money to buy another new car.
The work schedule has also been improved to suit the younger generation’s emphasis on work-life balance. In 2013, Kia switched from a rotating day-night shift to a two-shift daytime system, reducing overnight work. Although allowances have decreased, employees report that having their evenings free has improved their quality of life. As a result, these positions are attracting significant interest from MZ generation job seekers who prioritize leisure time.
"Finally Announced"... Job Market Heats Up
There has been an enthusiastic response in job communities and on university campuses. Online forums are flooded with posts such as “A job from the gods, I really want to get in,” and “The recruitment notice is finally out.” A career counselor at a university in Gwangju shared, “Hyundai Motor and Kia are the most preferred target companies among job seekers. As soon as the announcement was made, many students immediately began applying,” highlighting the heated atmosphere.
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