Story perspectives

2024: South Korean Women Face 30% Wage Gap

9/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2024, South Korean women earned 30.7% less than men, averaging 67.7 million won versus 97.8 million won.
Women's wages decreased by 6.7%, while men's fell by 0.8%, increasing the wage gap.
The largest disparities occurred in wholesale and retail (44.1%) and construction (41.6%).
Women contributed to pensions for 11.6 years, compared to nearly 17 years for men, resulting in lower retirement benefits.
Only 19.5% of retired women received pensions in 2023, compared to 44.9% of men.
The Gender Ministry aims to improve wage analyses and enforce mandatory gender-based wage disclosure.

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Story summary

In 2024, South Korean women earned 30.7% less than men, averaging 67.7 million won versus 97.8 million won.
Women's wages decreased by 6.7%, while men's fell by 0.8%, increasing the wage gap.
The largest disparities occurred in wholesale and retail (44.1%) and construction (41.6%).
Women contributed to pensions for 11.6 years, compared to nearly 17 years for men, resulting in lower retirement benefits.
Only 19.5% of retired women received pensions in 2023, compared to 44.9% of men.
The Gender Ministry aims to improve wage analyses and enforce mandatory gender-based wage disclosure.