The clothing sector in South Korea has shown a consistent decline in employment from 2013 to 2023, with the number of persons employed decreasing from 155.7 thousand in 2013 to 135.7 thousand in 2023. Notably, the most significant drop occurred in 2018, with an 8.66% year-on-year decrease. Over the last five years (2018-2023), the sector has experienced an average annual contraction (CAGR) of -2.45%. The year 2023 marked a continuation of this trend, with a 1.45% reduction in employment compared to 2022.
Future projections indicate a persistent decline, although at a slightly lower average rate of -1.24% per year from 2023 to 2028. By 2028, employment is expected to decrease to 125.4 thousand persons, representing a 6.07% reduction from 2023 levels.
Future trends to watch for include technological advancements disrupting traditional clothing manufacturing roles, increased automation, and potentially shifting employment needs towards more skilled and technical positions within the clothing industry.
