The simultaneous decline in the construction workforce and the aging of its workers is raising concerns about the industry's competitiveness. While the influx of young workers is decreasing, the rapid aging of skilled labor is emerging as a structural issue threatening the sustainability of the construction sector.
According to the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association's report on construction workforce trends released on July 1, the number of employed construction workers as of May was 1.308 million, a 4.1% decrease from the same month last year. This group includes skilled laborers, machinery operators, and general laborers.
By age group, the largest segment is workers in their 50s, totaling 438,000, while those aged 60 and older account for 385,000, or 29.4% of the total workforce. This means that approximately three out of ten construction workers are over 60. Among them, 59,670 are in their 70s, representing 4.6% of the total workforce.
The average age of skilled workers is reported to be 52.0 years, with 81.9% of workers aged 40 and above, significantly higher than the overall industry average of 68.9%. In contrast, the number of workers in their 20s is only about 58,000, indicating limited new workforce entry.
By occupation, skilled laborers and related workers make up the largest group at 921,000, with an average age of 51.4 years. Office workers have an average age of 46, highlighting a clear age gap between field and office positions.
The aging workforce is also linked to safety concerns. An increase in older, inexperienced workers may heighten the risk of accidents. According to the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, 62.6% of fatal accidents involve workers aged 60 and older who have less than six months of tenure. This suggests that not only age but also a lack of adaptation and skill contributes to accident risks.
The construction industry's unique working conditions, including high physical demands, hazardous environments, and frequent job site changes, are also cited as barriers to attracting younger workers. As new entrants decline and the workforce becomes increasingly dominated by middle-aged and older workers, the generational transition of skilled labor is being delayed.
The gap left by the declining youth workforce is partially being filled by foreign workers. However, the employment permit system (E-9), designed primarily for manufacturing, does not adequately reflect the construction industry's dynamic nature.
Industry experts argue that addressing the aging workforce and labor shortages in construction requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding youth recruitment, improving working conditions, implementing systematic career management for skilled workers, and promoting smart construction technologies.
Lee Eun-hyung, a researcher at the Korea Construction Policy Institute, stated, "The construction industry is not attractive to young people in terms of pay and working conditions, leading to a decline in new entrants. With the decrease in the working-age population, the proportion of foreign workers is likely to increase, making improvements in working conditions and labor management essential."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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