Side jobs, once associated with freelancers or those between jobs, have quietly become a defining feature of young adulthood in South Korea. As the number of young South Koreans taking on side jobs increases, so has the diversity in the side job market. Lost faith in traditional career laddersExperts say the trend also reflects a deeper shift in how young South Koreans view work and careers. The apparent lack of desire for more authority at work was found in a 2023 survey of young workers by job-search platform Job Korea. “Unlike past generations, young workers now know they can earn income outside the office through social media or e-commerce,” said Kim.

Source: The Star January 26, 2026 03:45 UTC