The South Korean shipbuilding industry is currently experiencing a boom, yet it faces significant challenges in youth employment. Young people express concerns over job stability in the sector, citing its vulnerability to changes in the global economy. During a recent town hall meeting hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, a university graduate raised issues of uncertainty in long-term career planning and the need for consistent government policies to enhance employment stability. Many graduates from specialized high schools in shipbuilding are increasingly avoiding jobs in small businesses due to the poor treatment and diminishing opportunities offered by these companies, while large firms are reducing their hiring rates.

The discussion at the town hall revealed that the shipbuilding sector is turning to migrant workers to fill labor shortages, which is viewed negatively by industry observers. Local officials, such as the mayor of Geoje, have called out the practice of large firms employing migrant workers instead of hiring local youth, emphasizing the need to prevent the reckless exploitation of policies aimed at allowing foreign labor. The calls for a shift in employment practices highlight the disparity between large and small businesses in how they approach hiring, putting more pressure on the shipbuilding industry to adapt to the needs of a younger workforce.

While vice presidents from major shipbuilding companies acknowledged the necessity of increasing youth employment, they also defended hiring migrant workers, citing previous disruptions due to labor shortages that led to delays in shipbuilding schedules. Some industry leaders believe that directly employing workers is a better approach in terms of safety and welfare, suggesting a complex situation where the demand for labor clashes with the changing perceptions of young workers towards employment in the shipbuilding industry. The ongoing dialogue in the sector will be critical in shaping its future viability in attracting talent and fostering a labor force that feels secure and valued.