From Business Owner to Entry-Level Civil Service Test Taker... People in Their 30s Returning to Noryangjin

Noryangjin in Seoul, once bustling with numerous civil service exam aspirants, had grown quiet as the popularity of government jobs waned. However, exam takers are reportedly increasing again lately. In particular, the number of aspirants in their 30s has grown. Ji-eun (pseudonym), who is 33 years old this year, began preparing for the police officer exam in 2023 after contemplating various career paths following college graduation. Although she has already tasted failure in three exams, she passed the written test last August and is awaiting the final hurdle: the interview. The reason Ji-eun chose a government job is to secure a stable career. Jun-ho (pseudonym), in his late 30s, used to run a small or medium-sized enterprise until he experienced burnout and quit. After submitting resumes to over a dozen places without easy employment, he ultimately decided to challenge himself with the Level 9 civil service exam. Having once walked different paths, these individuals are challenging the civil service exams once again. About a decade ago in Noryangjin, long lines formed at the cup-rice street during lunch hours, and people would queue up in front of academies starting at dawn to listen to lectures by star instructors. However, as online lectures became widespread following COVID-19, the landscape of Noryangjin began to change. As students moved away from living in Noryangjin gosiwon (budget studio rooms) and taking in-person classes, large academies have also been downsizing. One exam taker in their late 20s reportedly studied in Noryangjin for a month before leaving the area. This was because there were sufficient study materials available for studying alone, and Noryangjin's unique atmosphere tired them out. Even so, many exam aspirants still seek out Noryangjin. In particular, "managed study rooms" reportedly always have dozens of people on waiting lists. Registering for these requires handing over smartphones and studying for more than 55 hours a week, meaning students voluntarily choose these restrictions to pass the exam. Most of the exam takers in their 30s met by the reporting team had worked other jobs at least once. The reason they chose civil service is, above all, "stability." One exam taker in their late 30s said that layoffs occurred at both regular companies where they worked, stating, "I don't want to experience stress from that kind of instability ever again." Fair opportunity is another reason. A 34-year-old test taker who finally passed the civil service exam this year said, "Graduates from regional universities have fewer opportunities to challenge themselves at major corporations," adding, "I am grateful for an exam that judges solely based on ability." Kim Sung-hee, head of the Institute for Industrial and Labor Policy, noted that the increasing delay in young people entering the labor market itself is a risk signal, stating, "We must not leave young people neglected in a game where only a minority pass and the majority are bound to fail."

This week, <News Story> will meet exam takers in their 30s who are challenging civil service exams once again and take a look around Noryangjin, known as the mecca of civil service examinations.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.