Average Monthly Wage for Seafarers Hits 6.55 Million Won... Labor Shortage Persists Despite Pay Increase (Comprehensive)
Wages Up 48.2% Over 10 Years
Korean Crew Members Down by 1,359, Foreign Crew Members Up by 650
Last year, the average monthly wage for Korean seafarers reached 6.55 million won, a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Although wages have risen by nearly 50% over the past decade, the number of Korean seafarers has continued to decline each year. Despite higher wages, workforce attrition persists due to harsh working conditions and an aging workforce.
According to the "2026 Korean Seafarers Statistics Yearbook" published by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on July 5, the average monthly wage for Korean seafarers last year was 6.55 million won, up 310,000 won (5.0%) from the previous year. Compared to 2015 (4.42 million won), this represents a 48.2% increase over 10 years. The wage figure includes base salary, overtime pay, bonuses, and other allowances.
Nevertheless, the number of Korean seafarers continues to trend downward. As of the end of last year, the total number of seafarers employed in Korea was 60,543. Among them, 27,372 were Korean, which is a decrease of 1,359 from the previous year. In contrast, the number of foreign seafarers increased by 650 to 33,171. The proportion of foreign workers among all seafarers rose to 54.8%, widening the gap with the proportion of Korean seafarers, which stood at 45.2%.
The aging trend is also ongoing. Among Korean seafarers, those aged 60 or older numbered 12,002, accounting for 43.9% of the total. However, the proportion of those under 40 increased for the third consecutive year, rising from 22.1% in 2023 to 25.2% last year, indicating some improvement in the influx of younger workers.
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Kim Hyejeong, Director General of Shipping and Logistics at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "Although the proportion of young seafarers has increased, the aging of the workforce persists. We will pursue a variety of policies to create working conditions that are satisfactory for young seafarers and to enhance the attractiveness of seafaring as a profession."
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