[Graphic News] Number of older workers tops 10m in Korea

The number of employed South Koreans aged 55-79 surpassed 10 million for the first time, government data showed.

As of May, 10.13 million older adults were employed, up 345,000 from a year earlier. Those aged 65-79 accounted for about 94 percent of the increase. The older population reached 17 million, or about 37 percent of the population aged 15 and older.

About 69.2 percent of respondents said they wanted to continue working, with desired retirement age averaging a record 73.6. More than half, or 53.4 percent, cited supplementing living expenses as their main reason for continuing to work.

Pension recipients accounted for a record 52.7 percent of older adults. Their average monthly pension payment rose 2.1 percent to 880,000 won. Men received an average of 1.13 million won, nearly twice the 610,000 won received by women.