Although a considerable and growing literature exists on the nature of work-family conflicts and how they are being addressed in western industrialized countries, little is available on the experiences outside of these countries. As valuable lessons can be learned by examining the experiences of other countries, this paper examines the issues and factors impacting on the reconciliation of work and family in the Republic of Korea. As an example of a rapidly industrialized country, the Korean experience provides an example of work and family reconciliation that is based on a very different cultural context, as reflected in its values and traditions with respect both to work and family. Based on extensive research, this paper examines the issues and factors impacting on how work and family have been traditionally addressed. It then explores recent trends in the life cycle of Korean families, and the impact that rapidly changing social and economic factors have had on how work and family is reconciled in Korean society. The long-hours work culture and limited family support measures are viewed as contributing to these difficulties. Although in its early stages of policy development, the report recognizes that the reconciliation of work and family life will be increasingly important in future policy-making in the Republic of Korea, and identifies what are the priority issues and factors that should underlie Korean policy-making in the future.

(download 1.8 MB)