A majority of South Korean teachers in their 20s and 30s are considering changing careers due to dissatisfaction with their salaries. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent survey has revealed that a majority of South Korean teachers in their 20s and 30s are considering changing careers due to dissatisfaction with their salaries.
The survey also indicates that improving compensation is seen as a higher priority than protecting teachers’ rights in attracting and retaining quality educators.
The Korean Federation of Teachers’ Associations (KFTA) held a press conference on September 3 in front of the Ministry of Personnel Management to demand better compensation.
The organization presented the results of a salary satisfaction survey conducted from August 8 to 27, which included 4,603 teachers from kindergarten through high school levels.
According to the survey, an overwhelming 92.9% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their salaries, with 65% reporting they were “very dissatisfied.”
When asked if they had considered changing careers due to their pay, 86% of the young teachers responded affirmatively.
The survey also gauged reactions to the recent salary increase proposed by the Public Officials Remuneration Commission. Only 1.1% of respondents were satisfied with the suggested raise of 2.5% for fifth-grade and higher officials, and 3.3% for sixth-grade and lower officials.
A majority of teachers (55.7%) believed that salaries should be increased by at least the rate of inflation, which stands at 7.2%. Additionally, 31.5% called for an increase of 10% or more, while 11.7% advocated for at least a 5% raise.
The pension system for public and private school teachers also came under scrutiny, with 93.9% of respondents stating that it falls short of their expectations.
The KFTA attributes this sentiment to recent pension reforms that have resulted in younger teachers “paying more, receiving less, and retiring later.”
When asked about the most urgent measure needed to prevent teacher attrition and attract high-quality educators, 53.9% of respondents chose “significant improvement in compensation.”
This outranked “ensuring teachers’ rights and addressing issues with complaints,” which was selected by 37.5% of participants.
The KFTA pointed out that as pension benefits have diminished and salary increases have failed to keep pace with economic realities, young teachers are increasingly disillusioned with their profession and anxious about their future.
In light of these findings, the organization is urging the government to take decisive action, calling for a minimum 10% increase in teachers’ salaries, to be achieved through raises in various allowances, including those specific to the teaching profession.
The KFTA emphasized the need for compensation and incentive mechanisms that adequately reflect the responsibilities and duties of educators.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
