Im-mo, a 26-year-old hourly-wage part-timer in Seoul’s Gangnam district, headed to Ihwa Island on May 1, the first Labor Day designated as a legal holiday. “Even for just one day, I wanted to enjoy a peaceful meal,” he shared.
Im-mo emerged from a prime reservoir spot with an impressive catch. Fishing yields on combined weekend holidays average around 80,000 won, but prime spots can deliver 2.5 times that—up to 200,000 won. After just one year of fishing alongside his part-time job and certification studies, Im-mo has made it a core pursuit.
High Costs, Higher Rewards
His monthly bait expenses average nearly 2 million won. After covering full rental loan interest, management fees, and sending living support to his mother, barely 400,000 won remains. Yet, he views fishing as his ultimate indulgence. “I used to buy bait for 50,000 won and felt it was plenty, but now even 100,000 won seems affordable,” Im-mo noted. “Today’s catch cost 120,000 won in bait, but heading out for that stress-free bite feels refreshing.”
Widespread Trend Among Part-Timers
Im-mo’s choice reflects a broader pattern. A survey of 749 part-time workers by a major job platform found 50.6% plan to work on Labor Day. Key factors include stable store operations (38.3%) and pre-assigned schedules (36.7%), with just 13% opting for voluntary shifts.
Rising Financial Strain on Young Adults
These “limit youth,” reluctant to forgo even a single day’s wage, are increasingly common. National leisure surveys show economic inactivity among 20- to 30-year-olds jumped from 22.6% in 2020 to 34.9%. Experts attribute this to population declines and AI-driven job displacement, exacerbating financial vulnerabilities.
Kim Yun-tae, a professor of sociology at Goryeo University, explained, “Holiday shifts signal structural unemployment trends. Bold policies promoting labor flexibility and population growth initiatives are essential.”
