[474 International’s Eye] The Path of Part-Time Jobs

   Faced with both economic pressure and the desire for self-improvement, an increasing number of university students are turning to part-time jobs. Whether through campus services or social recruitment, such work has become an important experience outside the classroom. Observations show that Chinese and Korean students share similar motivations and challenges, yet their part-time environments differ in significant ways.

   In China, students typically find jobs through career centers, online recruitment platforms, chat groups, or personal contacts. Among these, online groups are especially popular because postings are updated quickly and communication is convenient. In Korea, students also rely on digital tools but more commonly use specialized job websites and mobile applications like “Alba Heaven,” where information is considered more transparent and reliable.

   The reasons students work part-time are broadly similar in both countries. Many Chinese students report that such jobs help alleviate financial pressure and provide valuable social experience. Korean students also cite these factors but often add that part-time work represents independence and social participation. Despite these common motives, the pay and contracts show striking differences. In China, wages vary by city and industry, often falling below the local minimum wage. Some employers do not provide formal contracts, raising the risk of delayed or reduced payments. Korea, in contrast, enforces a strict minimum wage—10,030 won per hour in 2025—and most employers sign contracts outlining hours, pay methods, and leave entitlements, giving students greater legal protection.

   The types of work available also reveal contrasts. Chinese students often work in restaurants, tutoring, promotional sales, or logistics. Korean students more commonly work in convenience stores, cafes, private academies, and restaurants. These positions generally allow flexible scheduling, yet they are physically demanding and sometimes stressful. Chinese students frequently face unreliable recruitment channels, such as false advertisements or sudden changes in pay conditions. Korean students express concerns about late-night safety and heavy workloads. For foreign students in Korea, visa restrictions, language barriers, and cultural differences add further difficulties, limiting job choices and creating unique challenges.

   Taken together, these experiences highlight how part-time work has become a crucial means for students in both countries to seek independence and growth. The differences reflect variations in legal frameworks, labor markets, and cultural expectations. As job competition intensifies, questions remain about how best to protect student workers while ensuring that part-time opportunities continue to provide meaningful social and professional development.