Rising Costs Push Young South Koreans to Take Multiple Jobs

Housing is widely cited as the primary reason behind the surge in side hustles. A 2024 survey by the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements found that the national average monthly housing-related expense for single workers aged 19 to 34 stands at approximately 480,000 KRW.

In Seoul, the burden is even heavier. A local real estate brokerage platform reported that the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Seoul is about 700,000 KRW. For young adults living in the capital, rent alone can consume a significant portion of their income.

Beyond rent, food costs are placing additional strain on young households. According to a 2024 survey by the Prime Minister’s Office, households aged 19 to 34 spend an average of 2.13 million KRW per month, with food expenses accounting for around 800,000 KRW — the largest single category.

In Seoul, combined rent and food expenses can easily exceed 1.5 million KRW per month. For many workers, this leaves little room for savings or discretionary spending.

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One office worker in his 20s shared that he works a weekday office job and takes shifts at a pub on weekends, yet still finds little money left after paying for housing and food. Others say they use income from one job for savings or investment, while relying on side-job earnings to manage daily expenses.

Many young adults have cut spending to the bare essentials, giving up car ownership, travel, and other non-essential expenses. A local university professor noted that income growth has failed to keep pace with rising costs, particularly affecting those in their 30s as housing expenses and family-related costs increase.

As living costs continue to climb, the young South Koreans multiple jobs phenomenon reflects a broader economic challenge — one where financial stability increasingly requires more than a single source of income.

Source: (1)