The Rise of the Career-Changer: Why More Professionals are Trading Jobs for the Stability of Public Service
#1. At a civil service academy in Suwon, South Korea, approximately 40% of students are currently employed or have prior work experience, primarily in their 30s or older. This represents a shift from previous years when the majority of test-takers were recent college graduates.
#2. A police and fire exam preparation academy in Uijeongbu also reports a significant influx of older students. The academy’s operator notes that around 80 out of 180 recent registrants for the fire service exam were over the age of 30, indicating a growing trend of experienced professionals seeking careers in public service.
The Appeal of Stability in an Uncertain Economy
After years of stagnation, the South Korean civil service exam market is experiencing a resurgence, driven primarily by professionals seeking stability. Economic uncertainty, coupled with improvements in public sector compensation and benefits, is making government jobs increasingly attractive.
Data from the Ministry of Personnel Management shows a consistent increase in the proportion of applicants aged 30 and over. In 2021, this demographic accounted for 30.2% of all applicants. By 2025, that figure had risen to 36.8%. The 40-something demographic also saw a rise, from 6.5% to 10.2% during the same period. Combined, nearly half (48.4%) of all applicants in 2025 were 30 or older.
Conversely, the percentage of applicants in their 20s decreased from 61.4% to 51.2% over the same timeframe.
Government Initiatives and Compensation Improvements
This trend is further fueled by recent government initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of public service. The number of positions available in the national civil service exam has been expanded to 5,351 for the current year. Public sector salaries have been increased by 3.5% across all ranks.
These changes are occurring against a backdrop of stagnation and restructuring in the private sector, making the stability and benefits offered by government employment a compelling alternative for experienced professionals.
The Changing Landscape of Work and the Allure of Public Service
Experts suggest that the shift towards public service reflects a broader societal trend. “The instability of the private sector is making the relative security of public service a powerful incentive,” explains Professor Lee Byeong-hoon of Chung-Ang University’s Department of Sociology. “Individuals who have experienced the rigidity and limitations of the private sector are restructuring their life plans and increasingly viewing public service as a viable option.”
Professor Lee also notes that concerns about job displacement due to advancements in artificial intelligence and the rapidly changing nature of work are driving experienced professionals towards public service roles that are less susceptible to automation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is driving the increase in older applicants for civil service exams?
Economic uncertainty, improved public sector compensation and concerns about job security in the private sector are key factors.
What percentage of civil service exam applicants are now over 30?
Approximately 48.4% of applicants in 2025 were 30 or older.
What changes have been made to improve public sector employment?
The number of available positions has been increased, and salaries have been raised by 3.5% across all ranks.
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