What Jobs Do Korean Parents Want for Their Children? – From Doctors to YouTubers
For many years, Korean parents have tended to admire careers that offer expertise, public trust, and long-term stability, such as doctors, teachers, and civil servants. However, career expectations in Korea are gradually changing. Today, jobs like software developer, researcher, creator, and athlete are gaining attention alongside more traditional professions. These changing views reflect both Korea's long-standing emphasis on education and the experiences of parents who grew up during times of economic uncertainty.
From Doljabi to Career Dreams
In my previous post, I introduced doljabi, one of the most famous traditions in a Korean first-birthday celebration.
During a doljabi ceremony, various objects are placed in front of a one-year-old child, and family members watch to see which one the baby picks up. Traditionally, the objects included things like thread, a writing brush, rice, or money. Today, many families also add modern items such as a stethoscope, a judge's gavel, a microphone, a soccer ball, or a pencil.
Most Koreans do not believe that a baby's future can actually be predicted through doljabi. Instead, the ceremony reflects the hopes and wishes that family members have for the child.
If you look closely, many of the objects on a doljabi table are connected to careers that Korean parents have traditionally admired. A stethoscope may represent a doctor, a gavel may symbolize a judge, and a pencil may suggest academic success or teaching.
So what exactly do Korean parents value when they think about their children's future careers?
What Do Korean Parents Value Most?
When Korean parents talk about their children's future, they are usually thinking about much more than salary.
Many parents hope their children will become financially independent, earn the respect of others, and build expertise in a field that allows them to enjoy a secure future. Because of this, careers are often evaluated through several different lenses rather than income alone.
Some of the qualities that are commonly valued include:
- Professional expertise
- Public trust and respect
- Financial independence
- Long-term stability
- Individual talent and ability
When I was growing up, it was common to hear parents recommend careers such as teaching or government service. At the time, I didn't fully understand why so many parents recommended those careers. Looking back now, however, I understand that many parents were not simply choosing a job title—they were thinking about the kind of life they hoped their children would have.
Why Are Doctors Still So Highly Respected?
Doctors have long been one of the most admired professions in Korea.
Part of the reason is obvious: doctors care for people's lives and health. But many Koreans also associate the profession with years of dedication, advanced knowledge, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Becoming a doctor is extremely competitive in Korea. It requires outstanding academic performance and a long period of education and training. As a result, the profession is often viewed as a symbol of expertise rather than simply a well-paying job.
When I was in high school, many of my classmates chose nursing programs in college because careers in healthcare were widely seen as both respected and reliable. Looking back, I realize that medical professions represented something many families valued deeply: the combination of knowledge, contribution, and professional recognition.
Why Have Teachers Traditionally Been So Respected?
Teaching has also been one of the most respected professions in Korean society.
Korea has long placed a strong emphasis on education, and that cultural value naturally extended to teachers. For generations, teachers were seen not only as educators but also as trusted guides who helped shape the next generation.
There is even an old Korean saying: "Do not step on your teacher's shadow." Of course, it is not meant literally. The expression reflects the deep respect traditionally shown toward teachers and mentors.
Because of this cultural background, many parents viewed teaching as a meaningful and honorable career. Although the educational environment has changed considerably over the years, teachers are still widely recognized for the important role they play in society.
Why Have Civil Service Jobs Been So Popular?
Civil service jobs have long been considered desirable in Korea.
Many people assume that Koreans became interested in government jobs only after the IMF Crisis. In reality, civil service positions had already been viewed as stable and trustworthy careers long before that. Working for the government often meant predictable employment, a steady income, and a sense of security that many families valued.
However, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis—commonly referred to in Korea as the IMF Crisis—strengthened that perception even further. During that period, many companies downsized, and people who had expected to stay with one employer for life suddenly found themselves unemployed.
I came to understand this through my own family's experience. My father worked as a construction site supervisor, and our family faced significant financial difficulties during the crisis. As a child, I did not fully understand why so many parents preferred careers such as teaching or government service. Looking back now, I realize that for many families, stability was not simply a preference—it felt like a way to protect and support their family during uncertain times.
For that generation, a stable career often represented something larger than professional success. It represented security, responsibility, and peace of mind.
The Definition of a "Good Job" Is Changing
While traditional professions are still respected, Korean views on careers have gradually become more diverse.
Today, careers such as software developers, researchers, data analysts, startup founders, athletes, designers, and content creators attract far more attention than they did in previous generations.
This change is reflected in the career dreams of children as well. Surveys conducted by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training have shown that children's desired careers are becoming increasingly diverse.
At the same time, interest in civil service examinations has declined compared to its peak years. This does not mean stability is no longer important. Rather, many young people now place greater emphasis on personal interests, professional growth, and finding meaningful work that fits their strengths.
In other words, the conversation has expanded. Instead of asking only, "Is this job secure?" many families are also asking, "Is this the right fit for this person?"
Do Parents and Children Dream of the Same Future?
One interesting question is whether parents and children always imagine the same future.
My own child provides a good example. When he was younger, he wanted to become a taekwondo instructor. These days, he says he wants to be a biology YouTuber.
He has a particular fascination with spiders. He observes them carefully, watches their behavior, and even records the process of mating and laying eggs. What might seem unusual to many adults is simply a source of endless curiosity for him.
As a parent, I sometimes imagine that curiosity leading him down a different path. Perhaps he could become a scientist studying insects, make a new discovery, or even help develop innovations that benefit people in ways we cannot yet imagine. But when he talks about his dream, he is not thinking about laboratories or research papers. He simply wants to share what he loves with other people through videos.
Perhaps this is a situation many parents recognize. Parents often see possibilities that children cannot yet see, while children are naturally drawn toward the things that excite them most.
Final Thoughts
The careers Korean parents admire are not chosen simply because of money.
They reflect generations of experience, a culture that values education and expertise, and a desire to help children build a stable and meaningful life.
The objects placed on a doljabi table—a stethoscope, a pencil, or a judge's gavel—may symbolize particular careers. But behind those objects lies something much more universal: a family's hope that a child will discover their strengths, find their own path, and grow into the person they are meant to become.
COMING UP NEXT
How Korean Parents Choose Their Child's First School
In Korea, some children begin attending daycare as infants, while others start later in kindergarten. Why do families make different choices, and how do these institutions differ? In the next post, we'll explore Korea's unique early childhood education system and the decisions many parents face.
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