Last year, the average monthly wage for Korean seafarers rose to 6.55 million won, a 5% increase from the previous year. However, the number of Korean seafarers continues to decline annually. Notably, more than 40% of Korean seafarers are aged 60 or older, highlighting ongoing concerns about an aging workforce.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on July 5 the release of the "2026 Korean Seafarer Statistical Yearbook," which includes data on the employment status of Korean seafarers, the hiring of foreign seafarers, and wage levels.
As of the end of 2025, the total number of employed seafarers in South Korea was recorded at 60,543. Among them, 27,372 were Korean seafarers, a decrease of 1,359 from the previous year.
In contrast, the number of foreign seafarers increased by 650 to 33,171. This trend of declining Korean seafarers alongside rising foreign seafarers continues.
The proportion of Korean seafarers among all employed seafarers fell from 54.3% in 2021 to 53.0% in 2022, and further to 50.1% in 2023. By 2024, this figure dropped to 47.0%, and last year it reached 45.2%. Meanwhile, the share of foreign seafarers rose from 45.7% to 54.8% during the same period.
The wage level for Korean seafarers has shown an upward trend. Last year, the average monthly wage for Korean seafarers was 6.55 million won, an increase of 310,000 won, or 5.0%, from 6.24 million won the previous year.
Compared to 4.42 million won a decade ago in 2015, this represents a 48.2% increase. The average monthly wage includes base salary, overtime pay, bonuses, and other allowances.
The aging of the Korean seafarer workforce remains a serious issue. Last year, 12,002 Korean seafarers aged 60 or older accounted for 43.9% of the total workforce.
Seafarers in their 40s and 50s numbered 8,448, making up 30.9%, while those under 40 totaled 6,922, or 25.2%. This means that more than 40% of Korean seafarers are aged 60 or older.
However, the proportion of young seafarers under 40 has been increasing, rising from 22.1% in 2023 to 24.4% in 2024, and reaching 25.2% last year. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries views the growing share of young seafarers as a positive trend for long-term workforce stability and industry competitiveness.
Kim Hye-jung, Director of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "Since the announcement of the seafarer job innovation plan in 2023, the proportion of young seafarers has increased, but the issue of an aging workforce persists. We will implement various policies to create conditions where young seafarers can work with satisfaction and enhance the attractiveness of seafaring as a profession."
The "Korean Seafarer Statistical Yearbook" can be accessed on the National Statistical Portal and the Korean Seafarer Welfare and Employment Center website.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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