From Business Owner to Civil Service Exam Prep: Why People in Their 30s Are Heading to Noryangjin

○ [News Story] From Business Owner to Civil Service Exam Prep: People in Their 30s Heading to Noryangjin (Broadcasted October 24, 2026)

Why Are People in Their 30s Choosing Civil Service Jobs?
Most of the civil service exam takers in their 30s met by the reporting team had previous work experience at other jobs. Their primary reason for choosing a civil service career is "stability." One test-taker in their late 30s shared that they experienced layoffs at both of the regular companies they worked for, stating, "I do not want to go through the stress of such instability ever again." Fair opportunity is another reason. A 34-year-old examinee who passed the final civil service exam this year noted, "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 Seong-hee, head of the Institute for Industrial and Labor Policy, pointed out that the delayed entry of young people into the labor market itself is a warning sign, stating, "We must not abandon young people in a game where only a minority pass and the majority are bound to fail."

Reported by Seo Kyoung-chae | Produced by Lee Seyoung | Camera Filming by Choi Jun-shik | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.