Many Koreans marry later in life due to the competitive job market and the time it takes to build a strong resume.
The Korean Job Market and its Impact on Marriage
One significant factor contributing to the trend of late marriage in Korea is the difficulty young people face in securing stable employment. According to research, Korean youth often struggle to find their first "proper" job. This struggle significantly impacts their decision to postpone marriage.
The "Specs" Culture
To gain an edge in the competitive job market, young Koreans focus on accumulating "specs." These "specs" are essentially resume-building qualifications and experiences designed to make a candidate stand out.
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What are "Specs"? These can include:
- High grades from prestigious universities
- Multiple internships
- Foreign language proficiency scores
- Awards and certifications
- Volunteer experience
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The Time Investment: Accumulating these "specs" takes considerable time and effort, often delaying other life milestones like marriage. This is because individuals are primarily focused on career advancement during their early to mid-twenties, the age when many in previous generations would have considered marriage.
| Factor | Impact on Marriage Timing |
|---|---|
| Job Competition | Delays marriage as individuals prioritize career stability and financial security. |
| "Specs" Culture | Requires significant time and effort, postponing marriage plans while building a resume. |
Therefore, the pressure to succeed in the demanding job market leads many Koreans to postpone marriage until they have established themselves professionally and financially.
