Number of Koreans Employed in Japan Rises by 8% in Four Years
More Seeking Opportunities in Japan Amid Job Market Pressures and Marriage Costs
Increase in Korea-Japan Couples Reflects Clear Trend Toward Settling in Japan
Korean men, weary from fierce job competition and the financial burden of marriage in Korea, are increasingly turning their attention to Japan. The relatively stable working environment and more flexible economic expectations for marriage are proving attractive, leading to a rise in cases where Koreans not only seek employment in Japan but also consider settling there.
According to Shueisha Online on December 16, the number of Koreans working or hoping to settle in Japan has steadily increased in recent years. Statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare show that the number of Koreans employed in Japan rose from about 69,000 in 2020 to approximately 75,000 in 2024, marking an increase of about 8% over four years.
"TOEIC Score of 850 and Height Over 180cm"... Discouraged by Korea's High Barriers to Employment
One of the main reasons for choosing Japan is the structural difficulties of Korea’s job market. Choi Geonwoo (34, pseudonym), a Korean man who found a job in Japan in 2019, told the media that although he majored in hotel management at a Korean university, he faced significant obstacles during the domestic job search process.
He recalled, "I applied to 10 five-star hotels in Seoul and was accepted by only one," adding, "A TOEIC score of at least 850 was a basic requirement, and appearance was so important that there were even rumors male applicants had to be at least 180cm tall." Despite landing a job after such difficulties, he eventually left Korea due to long working hours and low wages.
Job seekers attending the "2025 Win-Win Cooperation Job Fair" held on October 21 at COEX Magok in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, are checking the job postings.
Currently working at a real estate-related company in Japan, he said, "Although the salary level is similar, there is almost no work contact after hours or on holidays, and my private life is respected," adding, "Having become accustomed to this environment, it would be difficult to return to work in Korea."
Lee Jihoon, who works at the Japanese employment support service KOREC, explained, "In Korea, the phrase 'Sorry for being a liberal arts major' has become common, reflecting how extremely difficult it is for liberal arts graduates to find jobs," and added, "With the concentration of jobs in large corporations and high entry barriers, more young people are looking abroad."
"Japanese Women Are Okay Even Without a House"... Record Number of Korea-Japan Couples
Along with the trend of settling in Japan, the number of Korea-Japan international marriages is also rapidly increasing. According to Statistics Korea, 1,176 marriages between Korean men and Japanese women were recorded in 2024, a 40% increase from the previous year and the highest number since 2015.
A significant portion of Korean men hoping to work in Japan cite having a Japanese partner as a reason, and meeting through foreign language exchange applications has also become common.
The media points out that the excessive financial burden placed on Korean men regarding marriage is driving this trend toward Japan. Lee said, "In Korea, there is significant pressure on men to provide a newlywed home, but in Japan, the economic requirements for marriage are relatively flexible."
Military Service and K-Culture Influence... Improved Perception of Korean Men in Japan
Additionally, changing perceptions of Korean men in Japanese society are also playing a role. The responsibility and organizational experience gained through military service have led to a reputation for diligence, while the spread of K-dramas and K-pop has increased overall favorability toward Korean culture.
Shueisha Online analyzed, "As coexistence with foreigners becomes an important issue in Japanese society, the presence of young Koreans is growing," and added, "The importance of people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries will only increase in the future."
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