South Korea Adds 168,000 Jobs in December, 193,000 in 2025
Updated (3 articles)
December 2025 net job increase recorded at 168,000 The Ministry of Data and Statistics reported a monthly employment change of 168,000 jobs added in December 2025, down from the 225,000 jobs added in November 2025[3]. This figure is used as a key gauge of labor‑market momentum and reflects a modest slowdown from the previous month[1]. The data were released by Yonhap on 13 January 2026[1][3].
Annual employment growth totals 193,000 positions in 2025 Across the full year, South Korea added 193,000 jobs, marking the headline employment gain for 2025[2][3]. The increase translates to a 0.7 % rise in the employed population, reaching 28.77 million people[3]. Analysts view the modest annual gain as a sign of steady but limited expansion after larger post‑pandemic rebounds[3].
Employment level reaches 28.77 million, up 0.7 % YoY The total number of employed individuals rose to 28.77 million, representing a 0.7 % year‑on‑year increase[3]. This growth aligns with the modest job additions reported for the year and underscores a gradual strengthening of the labor market[2]. The figure is derived from the same ministry data cited in all three Yonhap reports[1][2][3].
Job‑gain pace decelerates after 2022 rebound South Korea’s labor market saw a sharp rebound in 2022 with 816,000 new jobs, but subsequent years recorded slower gains: 327,000 in 2023 and 159,000 in 2024[3]. The 2025 annual total of 193,000 jobs reflects this continued slowdown, despite a slight uptick in December[3]. The trend highlights a transition from rapid post‑pandemic recovery to more modest, sustainable growth[3].
Sources (3 articles)
-
[1]
Yonhap: South Korea adds 168,000 jobs in December: Focuses on the December 2025 net job gain of 168,000, emphasizing its role as a monthly labor‑market indicator.
-
[2]
Yonhap: South Korea adds 193,000 jobs in 2025, data show: Highlights the headline annual addition of 193,000 jobs for 2025 without detailed breakdown.
-
[3]
Yonhap: South Korea adds 193,000 jobs in 2025, signaling steady but modest growth: Provides comprehensive context, including year‑on‑year employment level (28.77 million), decelerating gains since 2022, and November’s 225,000‑job increase.
Timeline
2022 – South Korea adds 816,000 jobs, marking a robust post‑pandemic rebound that fuels optimism about labor‑market recovery[1].
2023 – Job creation slows to 327,000 positions, indicating the momentum from 2022 is beginning to taper[1].
2024 – Annual employment gains further decelerate to 159,000 jobs, underscoring a gradual weakening of the hiring surge[1].
Nov 2025 – The monthly net increase reaches 225,000 jobs, the strongest monthly gain recorded in the year and a key gauge of late‑year labor‑market strength[1].
Dec 2025 – The labor market adds 168,000 jobs, a noticeable drop from November’s pace but still a positive monthly change[2].
2025 (full year) – South Korea’s total employment rises 0.7% year‑on‑year to 28.77 million, with 193,000 jobs created across the year, reflecting steady yet modest growth after earlier rebounds[1][3].