Women's Unpaid Domestic Labor Valued at 2.7 Times Men's in South Korea

A recent report highlights a persistent gender disparity in unpaid domestic labor in South Korea, revealing that women's contribution is 2.7 times that of men. While this gap has narrowed from 3.2 times five years ago, the sheer volume of work undertaken by women, accounting for 73.1% of the total, underscores the ongoing imbalance.

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The value of unpaid domestic labor by women is 2.7 times that of men.

The economic value of this unpaid labor is substantial, estimated at 582.4 trillion won, representing 22.8% of the nation's GDP. However, its relative share of GDP has slightly decreased, indicating that the market economy is growing at a faster pace. This trend is attributed to a complex mix of factors, including the increasing availability of market-based services like food delivery, rising female employment rates, and the enhanced functionality of home appliances that reduce time spent on chores.

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The gap has narrowed, but the gender imbalance in domestic labor is still clear.

Interestingly, the report also points to a significant increase in unpaid domestic labor among single-person households, particularly among men. This suggests a shift in household dynamics, possibly influenced by changing lifestyles and increased self-reliance. While the overall trend shows a reduction in the time spent on domestic tasks, the disproportionate burden on women remains a critical issue.

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The economic value of unpaid domestic labor is 22.8% of GDP.

From a South Korean perspective, this data is more than just a statistic; it reflects deeply ingrained societal norms and expectations surrounding gender roles. While international coverage might focus on the GDP implications, for us, it's a call to re-examine how domestic responsibilities are shared and to acknowledge the immense, often invisible, economic contribution of women. The Hankyoreh, as a publication committed to social justice, believes this data necessitates a broader societal conversation about equitable distribution of labor within households and the need for policies that support a more balanced approach.

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Factors such as the marketization of domestic labor, rising female employment, and improved appliance functions have reduced time spent on chores.