The findings revealed that 59.1% of respondents reported experiencing some form of workplace mistreatment, including verbal abuse, physical assault, or coercion of work. (Image created by AI/ChatGPT)
SEOUL, April 1 (Korea Bizwire) — More than half of South Korea’s social welfare workers say they have experienced workplace bullying in the past year, according to a new survey released ahead of Social Workers’ Day (March 30)—raising alarm about deteriorating conditions in one of the country’s most vital care sectors.
The civic group Gabjil 119, which advocates against workplace abuse, conducted the online survey between February 12 and March 20, gathering responses from 414 social workers nationwide.
The findings revealed that 59.1% of respondents reported experiencing some form of workplace mistreatment, including verbal abuse, physical assault, or coercion of work—nearly double the national average of 33.4% reported in a separate survey of general workers last month.
Among those who faced abuse, 32.2% sought medical or psychological support, while an equal proportion said they needed such help but were unable to access it.
When asked how they responded to the abuse, 44.2% said they endured it silently or pretended not to notice, while 39.5% confided in colleagues without formally reporting the incidents. Notably, 26.8% of respondents quit their jobs due to the hostile work environment.
The data also suggests widespread dissatisfaction with the profession: 68% said they are considering leaving their current organization, and nearly 79% said they would not recommend a career in social welfare to friends or family.
“Demand for care and welfare services is growing, but the sustainability of labor conditions for frontline workers is not being ensured,” said Choi Ji-won, director of Gabjil 119’s social work division. “Municipalities, private institutions, and the central government must take these warnings seriously.”
The findings underscore the urgent need for institutional reform and stronger worker protections in South Korea’s social welfare system, as the country faces a rapidly aging population and rising demand for care services.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
