More Young Koreans Remain Jobless a Year After Graduation, Government Data Show

South Korea’s young graduates are taking longer than ever to find a job, showing the growing challenges in the country’s labor market. According to a government survey, 48.6% of unemployed graduates had been looking for work for more than one year as of May, the highest level since 2009.

The situation is even more difficult for some graduates. About 19.4% had been unemployed for over three years, the highest percentage since records began in 2007. Experts say this is due to longer time spent in university, leaves of absence for exam preparation, and fewer job opportunities because of economic uncertainty.

The survey also found that fewer graduates had ever worked after finishing school, with the employment rate dropping to 84.8%, the lowest since 2004. Students are also taking longer to graduate, averaging four years and nearly six months, and almost half have taken a leave of absence.

Many unemployed graduates spend their time preparing for employment or vocational exams. However, more graduates admitted they were simply waiting without a clear plan, while others decided to continue their education. At the same time, fewer people are preparing for private company jobs as businesses increasingly prefer workers with experience.

Instead, more graduates are choosing to prepare for civil service exams because government jobs now offer better pay and greater stability. For those who found employment, it took an average of 11.2 months to get their first full-time job. Many left their first job because they were unhappy with the salary or working conditions.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source:  http://koreabizwire.com/more-young-koreans-remain-jobless-a-year-after-graduation-government-data-show/355935

Comprehension

What percentage of unemployed graduates had been jobless for more than one year?
Why are many graduates taking longer to find jobs?
How long does it take, on average, for graduates to get their first job?
Why are more graduates preparing for civil service exams?
What was the main reason graduates left their first job?

Discussion

Why do you think it is becoming harder for young graduates to find jobs?
Would you rather work for a private company or the government? Why?
Do you think companies should hire more fresh graduates? Why or why not?
How can universities better prepare students for employment?
What skills are most important for new graduates today?
If you couldn't find a job after graduation, what would you do?
Do you think salary or job satisfaction is more important? Why?
What advice would you give to someone who has been unemployed for a long time?

Vocabulary

Graduate - A person who has completed a course of study at a school or university.
Unemployed - Without a job but looking for work.
Employment- The state of having a job.
Economic uncertainty- A situation where the economy is unstable or unpredictable.
Vocational training - Education or training that teaches skills for a specific job.
Civil service- -Jobs in the government that serve the public.
Recruitment - The process of hiring new employees.
Working conditions - The environment, hours, pay, and other conditions of a job.