225,000 More Employed in November, but Youth Employment Sluggish for 19 Consecutive Months (Comprehensive)

29,046,000 Employed in November
Marked Increase Driven by Service Sector
Employment Rate for Ages 15+ Rises 0.2 Percentage Points
Youth Employment Rate at 44.3%... Down 1.2 Percentage Points
Accommodation and Food Services Decline as Consumpti

Last month, the number of employed people increased by more than 200,000, pushing the employment rate to an all-time high of 63.4%. While the overall employment situation is not bad, the gap between different groups is becoming more pronounced. The youth employment rate has declined for 19 consecutive months, and the number of young people not engaged in any activity has started to rise again after seven months. As the effect of the livelihood recovery consumption coupons has faded, employment in the accommodation and food service sector has turned to a decline, while the sluggishness in manufacturing and construction continues.

On the 21st, job seekers attending the '2025 Win-Win Cooperation Job Fair' held at COEX Magok in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, are checking the job postings. 2025.10.21 Photo by Dongju Yoon

According to the "November 2025 Employment Trends" released by the National Data Office on December 10, the number of employed people last month was 29,046,000, an increase of 225,000 compared to the same month last year. Except for May (245,000) and September (312,000), the monthly increase in employment had remained in the 100,000s this year, but last month it jumped to the 200,000s, showing a relatively high growth rate.

The employment rate also continued to rise. The employment rate for those aged 15 and older reached a record high of 63.4%, up 0.2 percentage points. The employment rate for those aged 15 to 64, the standard used by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), also hit a record high of 70.2%, up 0.3 percentage points. The labor force participation rate was 64.8%, up 0.2 percentage points. The unemployment rate (2.2%) remained at the same level as the previous year.

This is the result of improved domestic demand and an increase in employment, particularly in the service sector. The health and social welfare services sector, which has shown a notable increase recently, added 281,000 jobs (9.3%). Business facilities management, business support, and rental services increased by 63,000 jobs (4.6%), and arts, sports, and leisure-related services increased by 61,000 jobs (11.7%). In addition, the transportation and warehousing sector added 41,000 jobs (2.4%).

While overall employment remains strong, difficulties persist for young people aged 15 to 29. The number of employed people increased among those aged 60 and older (333,000), those in their 30s (76,000), and those in their 50s (2,000), but decreased by 177,000 among the youth. Specifically, people in their 20s saw a decrease of 192,000. Unlike the rising employment rates for those in their 40s (80.7%) and those aged 60 and older (47.9%), the youth employment rate fell by 1.2 percentage points to 44.3%. This marks the 19th consecutive month of decline in the youth employment rate.

The decline in employment in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (-132,000), construction (-131,000), and manufacturing (-41,000) also continued. Notably, construction has seen a decrease for 19 consecutive months, and manufacturing for 17 consecutive months. However, the decline in manufacturing has narrowed somewhat due to improved domestic demand, strong exports in semiconductors, and improved business sentiment following the conclusion of tariff negotiations. Additionally, after showing an increase since July (-71,000) thanks to the consumption coupon effect, employment in accommodation and food services has turned to a decrease, dropping by 22,000, mainly in food services.

An official from the Ministry of Economy and Finance stated, "The proportion of young people employed in accommodation and food services is about 16 to 17%," adding, "The decline in accommodation and food services is partly linked to the sluggish employment among young people." The official further explained, "Overall, young people continue to face difficult employment conditions," and cited several factors: the dual structure of the labor market, the increase in companies hiring experienced workers on an as-needed basis, and the continued sluggishness in construction and manufacturing.

The economically inactive population stood at 16,142,000, a decrease of 10,000 (0.1%). Among them, the number of people not working or seeking work was 2,543,000, an increase of 124,000 (5.1%). For young people, this figure increased by 7,000 (1.8%) to 416,000, marking the first increase in seven months. For those in their 30s (314,000), the number increased by 6,000 (2.0%), reaching the highest level ever for November.

The government plans to further stimulate domestic demand and strengthen the virtuous cycle of growth and employment through an AI-driven transformation and the realization of an ultra-innovative economy. In addition, it will establish next year's economic growth strategy to expand future growth engines and fundamentally increase job creation capacity. Customized support for addressing youth employment difficulties will also be strengthened. The government plans to closely analyze trends and causes of inactivity among young people by type, and to develop tailored support measures accordingly.

An official from the Ministry of Economy and Finance stated, "There is significant heterogeneity within the inactive group," emphasizing, "It is important to conduct a precise analysis of the types and causes of inactivity and to consider customized response measures accordingly." The official added, "We are currently reviewing response measures for inactivity with relevant ministries, and the basic policy direction will be announced through the economic growth strategy."