In South Korea, bus driving — once seen as a tough, low-status job — is now attracting young workers as well as generating wider social discussion. Recent data shows the number of people in their 20s and 30s getting bus driver licenses jumped sharply (about 43% in three years) due to relatively good pay, job security, and stable hours in the semipublic bus system.
But the profession’s everyday realities are also in the spotlight. Social media and news reports highlight both challenges and positive moments: complaints about driver courtesy, debates over driver meal quality at depots, and heartwarming videos where drivers go above and beyond to help lost tourists.
With labor talks occasionally disrupting service, bus drivers are becoming a symbol of broader social issues — job market shifts, public respect for service workers, and how essential transport staff are treated by both the public and their employers.
In big cities like Seoul and other metropolitan areas, new bus drivers can earn roughly ₩5.2 million – ₩5.6 million per month (before taxes), which translates to about ₩62 million – ₩67 million annually for a starting position. Some additional pay (e.g., holiday or overtime shifts) can push monthly earnings above ₩6 million.this is about $46,200 USD per year as a starting salary. If monthly pay includes overtime/holiday shifts, monthly take-home could exceed ~$4,000 USD in some months.
Vocabulary
- 버스 기사 (beoseu gisa) – bus driver
- 준공영제 (jungong-yeong-je) – semi-public transport system
- 운전면허 (unjeon myeon-heo) – driver’s license
- 근로자 존엄 (geunro-ja joneom) – worker dignity
- 불친절 (bulchin-jeol) – lack of courtesy
- 사회적 이슈 (sahoe-jeok isyu) – social issue
- 취업 기회 (chwieop gihoe) – job opportunity
- 노동 협상 (nodong hyeop-sang) – labor negotiations
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