Issue Focus

● It is necessary to make a labor supply plan that reflects the characteristics of the construction industry which produces on orders and the labor market situation as aging issue of construction workers in Korea. ● Based on the database of the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association (CWMA) in Korea, the total number of foreign workers is estimated to be about 212 thousand foreigners account for 11.1% of all construction workers. ● By occupation, the proportion of foreign workers is higher than that of domestic workers except welders, plumber, and painters. And the proportion of foreigners is continuously increasing in construction industry of Korea. ● The demand for construction workers in 2019 estimates 151.9 million. The supply for the number of Koreans estimates 138.9 million, and the number of foreigners estimates about 228 thousand. ● Thus it is necessary to reflect foreign workers who is legally employed of the construction industry complementarily in the labor supply system due to lack of market (excess labor demand). ● The policy authorities need to prioritize strategic priorities in order to continuously foster Korean construction workers. Furthermore, it is necessary to actively cooperate with the public- and private agencies in preparation of the financial resources for establishing the education and training system of construction industry in Korea.