April 26, 2025 12:08 am
Full News

Hyundai’s Factory Jobs: The New Dream Career for Koreans

Hyundai Motor Company’s recent recruitment drive has sparked a wave of interest among job seekers in South Korea, attracting everyone from fresh high school graduates to professionals seeking a career switch from top chaebols like Samsung and SK. The allure lies in the promise of competitive salaries and an improved work-life balance, reshaping perceptions of factory work.

A Recruitment Frenzy

In 2023, Hyundai Motor resumed hiring for its Korean plants, offering 400 positions. The response was overwhelming, with over 120,000 applications flooding the system and temporarily crashing the website. This year, the company is opening applications next Tuesday, and the competition is already fierce.

Lucrative Starting Salaries

Hyundai’s entry-level annual salary for factory workers is around 70 million won ($48,100), with incentives adding another 10 million won. For more physically demanding assembly line roles, salaries can start as high as 100 million won.

This compensation places Hyundai among the highest-paying employers in the country, especially for entry-level positions. Unlike many companies, Hyundai maintains a uniform wage structure for its production employees, regardless of educational background.

“University graduates at Samsung Electronics may earn slightly more,” said an employee from Samsung’s Pyeongtaek plant. “However, high school and junior college graduates at Samsung start with fixed monthly pay and fewer incentives, requiring years to qualify for the same annual salary system as their university-educated peers.”

Work-Life Balance: A Major Draw

Hyundai Motor’s commitment to employee well-being extends beyond paychecks. It offers a superior work-life balance compared to similar roles at companies like Samsung and SK hynix.

For example, Hyundai eliminated overnight shifts in 2019, opting for an eight-hour day shift and a nine-hour evening shift ending by 1:10 a.m. In contrast, Samsung and SK hynix still operate grueling three-shift systems, including overnight hours.

On the anonymous employee forum Blind, an SK hynix worker explained their decision to apply at Hyundai: “Few companies allow weekends off and avoid night shifts for high school or junior college graduates. That alone makes Hyundai appealing.”

Additional perks include mandatory holiday breaks, retirement benefits, potential extended employment beyond age 60, and employee discounts on Hyundai vehicles.

Redefining Factory Work

Once considered one of the “dirty, difficult, and dangerous” jobs, factory work is now viewed as a prestigious career option in Korea. Polls reflect this shift in perception:

  • In a survey comparing a high school graduate at Hyundai earning 100 million won annually to a liberal arts graduate from Yonsei University earning 45 million won, 76.5% favored the Hyundai worker.
  • Another poll showed 85.7% preferring a Hyundai job over a grade-nine civil servant position held by a Seoul National University graduate.

Even researchers at Hyundai Mobis, the company’s car parts subsidiary, acknowledge the appeal of factory roles. “While we may earn more, researchers face intense deadlines and stress over recalls and quality issues. Factory workers seem to have a more manageable workload,” said one researcher.

A Coveted Career

Hyundai Motor’s factory jobs have become a symbol of economic stability and work-life balance, challenging traditional notions of career prestige. As the competition heats up, these positions are proving to be some of the most sought-after jobs in South Korea.

Related News
Former DMP Commissioner detained at the airport
UK Visa-Waiver System May Overwhelm Immigration Services, Law Firm Warns
Islamic Mobs Hunting Hindus in Bangladesh, Chanting ‘Catch One by One and Slaughter Them’
World Bank Report: Bangladesh’s 15-Year Climate Success Under Sheikh Hasina’s Leadership
Netanyahu Praises Trump’s Tough Stance on Hamas, Urges Immediate Hostage Release
Trump to Propose $100 Billion Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia
Related Posts
Pakistan Supported Terrorism for the West, Admits Defence Minister
UN Chief Urges India and Pakistan to Exercise Restraint
U.S. Secretary of State: Iran Must Abandon Nuclear Program Completely
Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Over Security Concerns
Exchange of Gunfire Between Indian and Pakistani Troops at Kashmir Border
“Poverty Amid Conflict”: UNDP Warns of Rising Poverty in Bangladesh Amid Ongoing Challenges
More News

Europe Will Bear the Cost of US Arms for Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called on the United States to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine to help it fight against Russian aggression. He stated on Thursday (January 23) that Europe is ready to bear the cost of these weapons, according to a report by British news agency Reuters. Speaking at the World Economic Forum […]

Zelensky Plans U.S. Visit Amid Trump’s Pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope of visiting Washington on Friday to sign a mineral resources agreement with the United States and meet with former President Donald Trump. During his visit, he plans to discuss the future of U.S. assistance to Ukraine. Trump has demanded U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare mineral resources in exchange […]

Somalia Proposes Exclusive Control of Strategic Bases to the U.S.

Somalia is prepared to grant exclusive control of its strategic airbases and seaports to the United States. In a letter sent to U.S. President Donald Trump, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made this proposal, according to British news agency Reuters, which verified the document on Friday, March 28. The letter, dated March 16, highlights that […]

DUJ Condemns New Murder Case Against Journalists, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

Dhaka, April 3, 2025: The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has strongly condemned the filing of another murder case against journalists, terming it an attempt to suppress press freedom. In a statement issued today, DUJ leaders expressed outrage over the recent case filed against six journalists in Bogura, including allegations against journalist Sheikh Hasibul of […]

WHO Raises Alarm Over Funding Pause for HIV Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Life-saving HIV therapy for over 30 million people at risk Geneva, 28 January 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern about the implications of the immediate funding pause for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries. These programs provide access to life-saving HIV therapy to more than 30 million people worldwide. […]

China Supports Trump’s Bid for Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal at G-20 Meeting

On February 20, at a Group of 20 (G-20) meeting in South Africa, China expressed its support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to strike a deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. This stance came as U.S. allies rallied around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Less than a month into his presidency, Trump […]

Disability Rights UK Condemns Parliament’s Approval of Assisted Dying Bill

Advocacy Group Calls Legislation a “Betrayal” of Disabled People’s Rights Disability Rights UK has strongly criticized the passing of the second reading of the Assisted Dying Bill in Parliament, which was approved by a majority of 55 MPs. The organization has labeled the decision a “profound betrayal” of Disabled people across the United Kingdom, who […]

U.S. to Honor Controversial Bangladeshi Protesters, Sparks Debate

The U.S. State Department’s decision to honor Bangladeshi female student protesters with the International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award has sparked controversy. Critics claim that these protesters were funded by USAID and had ties to Islamist groups that played a role in ousting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On April 1, Secretary of State Marco […]

Biden’s National Security Advisor Makes Crucial Visit to India Amid Transition to Trump

In a significant diplomatic move, Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden, visited India on January 8, 2025, to fortify key aspects of the U.S.-India partnership before the anticipated transition to a new administration led by Donald Trump. The visit underscores the urgency to “foolproof” elements of this strategic alliance, particularly in […]

US Sanctions on Colombia

US President Donald Trump has announced sanctions against Colombia for refusing to take back deported migrants. Additionally, he has imposed a 25% tariff on all products from the South American nation. The Republican president declared that the tariff decision would take immediate effect. News agencies Reuters and BBC reported the development on Monday (January 27). […]