The number of employed South Koreans aged 55 to 79 has surpassed 10 million for the first time [1].
This shift reflects a changing demographic landscape where an aging population is increasingly remaining in the workforce. The trend suggests a growing economic necessity or personal desire for older adults to delay retirement, potentially altering the national labor market structure.
According to data from the National Data Agency as of May 2026, there were 10.125 million employed people in this age bracket [1]. This represents an increase of 345,000 workers compared to the previous year [1].
Kim Rak-hyun, head of employment statistics at the National Data Agency, said the figures reflect an increase in the elderly population and a trend where roughly seven out of 10 older adults hope to continue working in the future.
Kim said the average duration of employment at a worker's longest-held job increased by approximately 0.5 months [2]. The average age at which workers left their longest-held position rose to 53.1 years, an increase of 0.1 year [2].
Beyond current employment levels, the data indicates a shift in expectations. The average desired retirement age has risen to 73.6 years [1]. Despite this willingness to work longer, the report noted a decrease in participation in vocational training programs [1].
These statistics highlight a divergence between the desire to work and the pursuit of formal retraining to maintain those roles. The rise in the desired retirement age suggests that many South Koreans no longer view their mid-60s as a definitive end to their professional lives.
“The number of employed South Koreans aged 55 to 79 has surpassed 10 million for the first time.”
The surge in elderly employment underscores South Korea's struggle with a rapidly aging society and a shrinking youth workforce. As the desired retirement age pushes toward the mid-70s, the government may face pressure to adjust pension ages and create more sustainable, age-friendly employment frameworks to support a population that is living and working longer.
