SEOUL — South Korea’s employment market continued to expand in August, with the number of economically active people rising as the country’s labour market maintained positive momentum.

Statistics Korea reported that the economically active population reached 29.739 million in August 2026, an increase of about 180,000 people, or 0.6%, from a year earlier. The figures were released on September 9.

The latest data provide an important snapshot of employment conditions in Asia’s fourth-largest economy as businesses navigate changing global demand and continued technological transformation.

The increase in the economically active population indicates that more people were participating in the labour market compared with the same month last year.

South Korea’s employment performance comes against a backdrop of strong export activity. The country’s exports had already reached $709.4 billion by early September, exceeding the previous full-year record of $709.3 billion. Semiconductor exports have been a major driver of this growth, supported by strong global demand for artificial-intelligence chips.

The technology sector has become particularly important for South Korea’s economic outlook. Semiconductor companies are benefiting from growing demand for advanced computing hardware used in artificial intelligence systems.

The government is also working to strengthen the country’s digital economy. Officials have been promoting artificial intelligence, digital transformation and advanced technology as important sources of future economic growth.

At the same time, policymakers continue to monitor financial and economic conditions closely. The Ministry of Finance and Economy recently reviewed developments in domestic and global financial markets, including interest rates, foreign exchange conditions, bond markets and rising energy prices.

The labour-market figures will therefore be closely watched as policymakers assess the broader health of the economy.

South Korea is attempting to maintain employment growth while dealing with external uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, energy-market volatility and changes in global supply chains.

The latest employment figures suggest that labour-force participation remains resilient despite those challenges.

The government is expected to continue focusing on job creation, technological innovation and support for industries capable of generating high-value employment.

The combination of a growing labour force and strong semiconductor exports could provide additional support for South Korea’s economic performance in the months ahead.