Despite record government research spending, seven in 10 young Korean scientists are considering moving abroad due to low pay, unstable jobs and heavy paperwork.
The Ministry of Science and ICT set this year’s government research and development budget at a record 35.5 trillion won. Including private investment, Korea’s total annual R&D spending reaches 131 trillion won, or 5.13 percent of GDP.
Yet a Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry report showed 340,000 science and engineering workers left the country between 2013 and 2023, including 96,000 with master’s or doctoral degrees.
A Bank of Korea survey found 42.9 percent of researchers considering overseas moves within three years, rising to seven in 10 among those in their 20s and 30s. Financial reasons were cited by 66.7 percent.
Researchers also highlighted shifting government priorities and administrative burdens. Starting salaries at some U.S. labs reach $120,000 for PhD holders.
