The Characteristics of Population Aging and the Employment of Aged Workers in Seoul, Korea

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics of population aging and the employment of aged

workers in Seoul. Population indexes such as those on aged/children ratio and longevity

degree are analyzed to identify the time-spatial changes and differentiation of population

aging by gu (district). Employers, job seekers and employees related to the aged workers

are also analyzed using data from the Center of Job Placement for the Aged in Seoul. The

results indicate that population aging has progressed faster in Seoul than other regions in

recent years. In addition, regional differences in tendency of population aging are obvious

even within Seoul. The percentage of unskilled laborers is much higher in Seoul compared

with other regions. There is also geographical differentiation in the employment of aged

workers among regions within Seoul. Employment opportunities for the aged are relatively

abundant in core economic areas of Seoul, while they are much scarcer in outer residential

areas. This shows a geographical mismatch between employers and job seekers, which means

that it is difficult for aged workers to secure jobs near their places of residence. Accordingly,

governmental support and intervention is needed to address the lower level of mobility of

aged workers.