In fact, South Korean women participate in the labor force at roughly the average rate for the OECD while they are in their late twenties. The problem is that the rate drops sharply from 71% to 57% among women in their 30’s, as inflexible working environments and a lack of affordable childcare undermine their ability to continue investing in their careers.
但是，即使对韩国教育程度最好、工作能力最强的女性来说，育儿也是主要职业障碍。事实上，二十多岁接近三十岁韩国女性的劳动力参与率与经合组织平均水平相当。问题在于，步入三十岁以后，女性劳动力参与率从71%猛降至57%，因为僵化的工作环境和缺少平价儿童看护服务削弱了她们继续投资于职业生涯的能力。