Why young Koreans are turning to bus-driving jobs

Lee Seung-jun, right, talks to Yoo Jae-suk about his life as a bus driver on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block." Captured from tvN

A young man who left a job at a semiconductor company to become a bus driver is drawing attention after sharing why he believes the career switch improved his quality of life.

Lee Seung-jun, a bus driver in his 20s, appeared on the popular tvN talk show "You Quiz on the Block" on Wednesday, where he spoke about his decision to leave the corporate world and take the wheel of a city bus instead.

His story has resonated with many young Koreans at a time when growing numbers are reconsidering traditional career paths and placing greater value on work-life balance, job security and workplace culture.

Host Yoo Jae-suk said applications from people in their 20s and 30s for bus driver positions have surged in recent years, citing figures showing a 43 percent increase over the past three years.

Lee said he was the only bus driver in his 20s when he first entered the profession, but several young drivers have since joined his company.

"When I became a bus driver, I was the only person in my 20s," Lee said. "Now there are six of us, including me."

Asked why the job is attracting younger workers, Lee pointed to the work environment.

"Many companies still have a rigid hierarchy and top-down culture," he said. "Here, the structure is completely horizontal. I have no stress from bosses at all. That's what I like most."

Lee also highlighted the profession's stability. In Korea, many bus drivers can work until the age of 65, offering a longer career path than some private sector jobs.

"There's virtually no risk of suddenly losing my job," he said.

The driver added that he now has more free time than he did in the corporate sector.

"Since becoming a bus driver, I've had more room in my life," Lee said. "I travel overseas once every month or two."

Salary was another factor behind his satisfaction. Lee said pay varies by company, but added that starting salaries can begin at around 50 million won ($36,000) per year.

"The salary is good," he said. "It's true that starting pay can begin at around 50 million won, depending on the company. Wages have risen significantly over the past five to 10 years."

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.