Toward Gender Equality in the Korean Civil Service

Abstract

This study examines public employment practices in contemporary Korea based on gender. Findings show that women are poorly represented in the Korean civil service. Although the distribution of women civil servants is increasing in the civil service as a whole, women are greatly under-represented in the higher levels. The ratio of females to males in the upper levels of civil service has not changed over time, and higher civil service positions are still overwhelmingly held by men in the General Service. Most women workers are concentrated at lower levels and segregated in traditionally women-oriented workplaces. Thus, it is necessary to recognize the need for equitable solutions to problems experienced differently by men and women in the Korean public sector. In addition, a brief review of the Japanese civil service is included for a cross-national comparison.