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Korean Grads Boost Japan's Workforce
3 Aug
Summary
- South Korean graduates increasingly seek jobs in Japan due to fewer entry-level positions at home.
- Japanese companies actively recruit Korean talent, valuing their skills and diligence.
- A growing number of young Koreans are choosing Japan for employment and career advancement.
South Korean youth are increasingly seeking employment opportunities in Japan due to a chronic shortage of desirable entry-level positions in their home country. Companies like Samsung often prefer experienced workers, and many older individuals remain in their current roles, limiting openings for new graduates. Meanwhile, Japan's aging population means companies are struggling to fill positions, particularly in graduate schemes offering structured career training.
This labor market dynamic has led to a surge in South Koreans taking jobs in Japan. Last year, 2,257 young Koreans found employment in Japan through government-backed programs, a 47% increase from 2024, making it their top overseas destination. This trend is supported by services like KOREC, a startup founded by Moe Kasugai in 2019, which connects Korean job seekers with Japanese employers. Other companies, including Wanted Lab and LAPRAS, have also launched similar recruitment services.
Japanese companies find Korean candidates highly appealing due to their competitiveness, diligence, and strong language skills. Many Korean job seekers are drawn to Japan's emphasis on on-the-job training, a rarity in South Korea for fresh graduates. While challenges like retention exist due to differing employment cultures, the growing number of cross-border placements is fostering greater understanding between the two nations.
