As of 2023, there were approximately 25.3 million workers in South Korea. Since the National Business Investigation study started collecting data in 1993, the number of workers showed overall steady growth alongside the number of businesses as the years passed. The dip in 1997 to 1999 was due to the occurrence and aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis (also known as "IMF Crisis" in South Korea).
Number of workers in South Korea from 1993 to 2023
(in millions)
Characteristic
Number of workers in millions
2023
25.32
2022
25.21
2021
24.93
2020
24.81
2019
22.72
2018
22.23
2017
21.63
2016
21.26
2015
20.89
2014
19.9
2013
19.17
2012
18.57
2011
18.09
2010
17.65
2009
16.82
2008
16.29
2007
15.94
2006
15.44
2005
15.15
2004
14.82
2003
14.73
2002
14.61
2001
14.11
2000
13.6
1999
12.92
1998
12.42
1997
13.47
1996
14.01
1995
13.63
1994
12.58
1993
12.25
Zoomable Statistic: Select the range in the chart you want to zoom in on.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Statistics Korea. (September 27, 2024). Number of workers in South Korea from 1993 to 2023 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 13, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124769/south-korea-number-of-workers/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Statistics Korea. "Number of workers in South Korea from 1993 to 2023 (in millions)." Chart. September 27, 2024. Statista. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124769/south-korea-number-of-workers/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Statistics Korea. (2024). Number of workers in South Korea from 1993 to 2023 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124769/south-korea-number-of-workers/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Statistics Korea. "Number of Workers in South Korea from 1993 to 2023 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 27 Sep 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124769/south-korea-number-of-workers/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Statistics Korea, Number of workers in South Korea from 1993 to 2023 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124769/south-korea-number-of-workers/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed (last visited February 13, 2025)
Number of workers in South Korea from 1993 to 2023 (in millions) [Graph], Statistics Korea, September 27, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124769/south-korea-number-of-workers/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed