The forklift operator license has become highly popular, as it offers significant bonus points for those applying to the Air Force. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 21 (Korea Bizwire) — A growing number of South Korean university students are treating enlistment in the Air Force like a college entrance exam, as soaring competition has triggered a rush for certifications, volunteer hours, and even blood donations in a bid to earn higher scores in the military’s recruitment system.
With monthly stipends for conscripts more than doubling in recent years — now ₩1.5 million for sergeants — and the Air Force offering better living conditions and personal development opportunities, the branch has become the top pick among young men facing mandatory service.
In February 2023, the Air Force accepted 1,067 candidates from 3,520 applicants, a 3.3:1 ratio. But by February this year, 8,482 candidates vied for just 900 slots, pushing the acceptance rate to just 10.6%, or 9.4:1.
A formation of F-15K fighter jets taxiing on the ground for a night sortie. (Photo courtesy of the Republic of Korea Air Force)
Recruitment is based on a 105-point system: 70 points for licenses and certifications, 20 for high school attendance, and 15 for miscellaneous achievements including blood donation, volunteer work, and language scores. In recent rounds, successful applicants have needed scores of 97 to 99, a sharp jump from the mid-70s cutoff just two years ago.
The competition has fueled a cottage industry of private consultants offering enlistment prep services for fees of up to ₩1.5 million. Popular certifications such as forklift licenses and TOEIC scores have become must-haves for aspiring recruits.
“The general understanding is that getting into the Air Force requires more than just good grades — you need the full package,” said Hong, 21, a college junior set to enlist on July 28 after obtaining a forklift license to boost his score.
The Republic of Korea Air Force’s aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, conducts a flight rehearsal for an upcoming airshow on July 10 over the area near Sebitseom in Seocho District, Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Air Force’s popularity also reflects shifts in perception. Soldiers can bring smartphones and tablets, access self-study time, and even prepare for major exams like the CPA or college entrance tests while serving.
In a bid to balance the system, the Military Manpower Administration has begun phasing out or scaling back point categories deemed unrelated to military duties. This year, it scrapped Korean history and language test bonuses and will soon cut the maximum bonus for blood donation and volunteer work from 8 to 3 points.
“The Air Force requires more specialized technical personnel,” an Air Force official said. “We’re revising our scoring criteria to ease the burden on applicants while still selecting the talent we need.”
The Air Force has also gained attention for savvy digital outreach. Recent YouTube videos parodying pop hits — like “ALT.” (a spin on Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “Apartment”) and “BOMByanggaeng” (modeled on BIBI’s “Night Snack”) — have garnered over 1.5 million and 2.5 million views, respectively.
Korean Youth Rush for Certifications to Join Air Force Amid Soaring Demand (Image supported by ChatGPT)
Still, not everyone makes the cut. “I scored 95 after forgetting to submit a certificate, missing the 97-point cutoff,” said a university student who now hopes to reapply in November.
Despite its longer service term compared to the Army, many still find the Air Force a better deal. “Even with three more months, it’s more cost-effective than taking a part-time job after discharge,” said another recruit.
As enlistment becomes a strategic career step for many young Koreans, the Air Force stands as both a symbol of rising military standards — and of a generation navigating service not as obligation, but as opportunity.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
