How are you spending your summer vacation?

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NEWs GENERATION is a program hosted by Arirang TV covering Korea’s latest trends and current affairs from the perspective of those in their twenties and thirties (millennial and Gen Zers, dubbed the ‘MZ Generation’ in Korea). For all of my appearances, visit
NEWs GENERATION Appearance.

Both of our panelists today are students. How are you spending your summer break?

To be completely honest, it feels like this summer break has been a ‘break’ in name only. It’s been really nice to get a break from classes and submitting assignments, but I’ve been pretty busy working at my school during the weekdays. I do always appreciate the fact that I can relax without a worry during the weekends, though.

As we briefly mentioned earlier, it seems that more students in Korea are choosing to work during their summer break. Is this true?

Oh, absolutely. A recent survey found that 8 in 10 college students currently work over the summer break even during these hot weather conditions. The survey found that the most popular reason for working was to save or invest extra money at 57%, followed by saving up to travel domestically or abroad at 30%, to treat themselves at 29%, and to prepare gifts or pocket money for their parents at 15%.

Have you had any experience working a part-time job during vacation? And what about your friends?

I have! I’m actually working full-time at the moment at my school, George Mason University Korea, as a Student Intern doing admissions work, helping staff members and our new admitted students prepare for the upcoming semester. Personally, I’ve found having a semi-steady income really helpful to save up money for any future plans that might come up as a student. Many of my friends are also working part-time during the break, at cafés or restaurants, or tutoring for younger students. Like the recent survey found, they use that money either to build up their income or to travel.

What types of part-time jobs are popular among the younger generation these days? Have there been any noticeable changes compared to the past?

An article published in 2014 by Financial News found that college students back then prioritized gaining valuable career-related experience or doing fun and unique jobs when looking for part-time work. These days, surveys have shown that the most popular places to work for students are cafés, government offices, or movie theaters. I think that reflects the shifting needs and wants of people that look for places with appropriate wage levels and relatively stable or comfortable working conditions.

As more university students take up part-time jobs, some face unfair treatment from employers. Have you heard about this?

I unfortunately have. A study published by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions found that 5 in 10 youth had experienced some sort of unfair treatment while working part-time, such as minimum wage violations or unwritten employment contracts. While the current minimum wage in Korea is 9,860 won, some receive less than that or don’t receive the paid holiday hours required by law.

As mentioned earlier, trying out various activities during summer break can give young students valuable experiences. Working at a part-time job not only provides extra cash but, more importantly, teaches responsibility, offers real-life experience, and helps develop professional skills that can't be learned in the classroom. As students yourselves, do you have any tips or advice for those looking for a good part-time job?

The piece of advice I have is to make the most out of the network that you have, because it really is a tough job market out there right now for those looking to work part-time as well. Visiting your university’s Career Development Center if you’re a student can be helpful if you’re looking for jobs to build your career.