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Exploring Labor Market Segmentation in South Korea: A K-means Clustering Analysis

Juyeoun Lee1 · Chaerin You2 · Sujeong Hong3

1 Sookmyung Women's University, 2 Hyundai Motors Company, 3 Mokwon University

Published: January 2026 · Vol. 55 No. 2 · pp. 905-928

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17287/kmr.2026.55.2.905

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Abstract

This study aims to derive multi-layered typologies of the Korean labor market based on 'Industry × Occupation' units to capture its structural and experiential heterogeneity with high granularity. Using data from the 23rd wave of the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS), we analyzed key indicators including wages, working hours, employment type, welfare/social insurance, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. K-means cluster analysis was conducted on 544 Industry-Occupation combined units. The analysis identified four distinct groups: (1) Stable Employment Type, (2) Flexible-Precarious Type, (3) Overwork-Intensive Type, and (4) Vulnerable-Peripheral Type. These four worlds demonstrated significant differences in both structural conditions and subjective experiences. These findings suggest that the Korean labor market is not merely a simple dual structure but a multi-layered system where multiple employment ecosystems coexist. By extending existing segmentation theories to clarify detailed heterogeneity and presenting a typological framework applicable to HRM and policy design, this study offers significant academic and practical implications.
Keywords: 노동시장의 분절화산업×직종군집 분석노동패널직무 만족도고용 생태계