The Jeju job market is experiencing a notable upward trend, with employment rates rising and unemployment rates declining. According to the latest report from the National Data Center’s Jeju office, the employment rate in the region reached 71.7% last month, marking a 2.5 percentage point increase compared to the same month last year. In terms of job statistics, the number of employed individuals rose to 414,000, an increase of 14,000 from the previous year.

Recent data from the Jeju Women’s Family Research Institute highlights a significant improvement in women’s economic participation in Jeju, with a participation rate of 69.1% and an employment rate of 67.7%. This marks a notable increase in the number of women actively engaging in the workforce, reflecting a positive trend towards gender equality in the region. As of March 2026, the number of economically active women in Jeju has risen by 5.

Jeju Island is taking significant steps to create quality job opportunities for its youth, recognizing that the future of the region is closely tied to the employment landscape. By implementing various policies aimed at fostering stable and meaningful employment, Jeju is not only enhancing the lives of its young residents but also ensuring a brighter future for the island as a whole. The initiatives include strengthening support systems for young workers and adapting to changes in industrial structures to create new job opportunities.

In Jeju, South Korea, a striking paradox exists: the elderly population boasts the highest employment rate in the country, yet their wages remain alarmingly low. This phenomenon, often referred to as ‘working poverty,’ highlights a systemic issue where older adults are compelled to work not out of choice, but necessity. The stark reality is that many seniors find themselves in low-paying jobs, primarily in agriculture and manual labor, which do not provide adequate financial support for a dignified life.