ABSTRACT
This chapter explains retirement in Korea by using a life course analysis of the data collected through in-depth interviews. It will uncover what workers experience when they retire and the strategies they use to cope with problems following early retirement. The retirement of older workers in Korea should be understood against this backdrop: as something formed by its unique historical, economic and social context. In any nation, the manner in which workers exit the labour market is dependent on a unique combination of factors: economic structure, labour market system, retirement income pension system, social welfare system, family and generational issues, demographic structure and ideological issues. In Korea's work-oriented culture and immature social welfare system, retirement can prevent workers from earning a living, and for some, it can also mean social isolation. This chapter concludes by succinctly summarizing the following five sets of findings that are drawn from the in-depth interviews.
