South Korea faces serious labour shortages in manufacturing, caregiving, nursing, construction, shipbuilding, agriculture, logistics, and hospitality. Many younger Koreans prefer office jobs or city-based careers, leaving essential industries understaffed. Semiconductor production and high-tech manufacturing also report shortages of experienced technicians and engineers. Caregiving and healthcare shortages are especially severe due to the country’s rapidly aging population. These shortages are driving higher hiring of foreign workers and encouraging companies to automate routine processes. The government is increasingly adjusting labour policies and recruitment systems to fill these workforce gaps.