In a recent meeting, Gyeongnam Province officials, along with local businesses and youth organizations, gathered to tackle the pressing issue of youth employment. The discussions highlighted the mismatch between the job market’s demands and the skills of young job seekers, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to bridge this gap. Participants pointed out several critical factors contributing to the low employment rates among youth, including a manufacturing-centric job market and a preference for experienced hires.

Gyeongnam’s youth employment rate has seen a remarkable increase, reaching 39.0% in the third quarter of this year, while the national average has declined. This positive trend highlights the effectiveness of tailored employment policies aimed at supporting young individuals through various stages of their educational and professional journeys. The region’s youth unemployment rate has also significantly improved, dropping from 7.9% in the first quarter to 4.2% in the third quarter, marking the second-lowest rate among South Korea’s 17 provinces.

In a remarkable achievement, Gyeongnam Province has recorded an employment rate of 64.1% in September 2025, surpassing the national average of 63.7%. This milestone not only marks the highest employment rate since statistics began but also reflects a significant 2.0 percentage point increase compared to the same month last year. The statistics released by the Korean Statistical Office highlight a robust job market, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors. With an increase of 32,000 jobs in manufacturing alone, Gyeongnam is witnessing a resurgence in employment opportunities, which is crucial for the local economy.