Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
More blue-collar workers allowed to wear shorts to work
Men's shorts are displayed at a supermarket in Seoul in this July 2021 photo. Newsis
By Park Jae-hyuk
Dress codes relaxed in shipbuilding, steelmaking industries
More factories run by major conglomerates are allowing workers to wear shorts to work, which was once regarded as a privilege reserved for their white-collar employees working in Seoul and the capital area.
In response to growing calls from young blue-collar workers for equal treatment, companies known for their conservative corporate cultures have recently relaxed their strict dress codes.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has decided to temporarily allow both full-time and subcontracted workers to wear shorts and sandals when commuting to and from its Ulsan shipyard between June 16 and Sept. 12.
Although its parent company has permitted shorts and slippers at its headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, since 2023, this is the first time the shipbuilder has allowed shorts at its shipyard since its founding in 1972.
Last year, HD HHI's management advised shipyard workers to refrain from wearing shorts for safety reasons. However, the workers continued to urge the company to allow comfortable clothing during their commutes, as they are required to wear uniforms while on the job.
"Our company used to symbolize conservative corporate culture, as security guards checked employees’ hair in the past and even shaved their heads," the HD HHI union said in a newsletter Wednesday. "It is time to change this outdated culture."
In April last year, POSCO began allowing employees at its steel mills in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, and Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, to wear shorts to work.
Although POSCO Group initially banned shorts, sandals and hoodies after relaxing dress codes at its affiliates in 2023, Chairman Chang In-hwa decided to permit such attire after meeting with young employees at the steelmaker’s factories.
Korea’s largest conglomerates — Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG — have already allowed shorts at their affiliates for several years.