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In 2025, the gender gap index score in South Korea stood at 0.69 points, showing that an average gender gap of approximately 30 percent remained in the country. South Korea ranked 101st out of 148 countries surveyed by the gender gap index.

Traditional gender roles in South Korea

Gender roles in South Korea are vastly different between men and women. Around a third of male and female respondents answered in a survey about perceived traditional male roles that men should not show their weak side and bear the primary responsibility of providing for the family. A survey about traditional female roles showed results of a similar vein. Traditionally male-dominated jobs were considered unsuitable for women. Women were expected not to look strong and focus mainly on childcare, even when working. Such gender roles were reflected in their occupations. According to the 2020 Women in Korea report, a larger percentage of men worked in labor-heavy jobs or in top senior management positions. Whereas in contrast, women tended to have jobs engaging with customers such as in sales and service sector. 

Parity in health, gap in power

  Considering the four key dimensions of the gender gap index, the categories of educational attainment and health and survival achieved the best results, reaching almost full marks with a score of around 0.98 points. In comparison, categories associated with positions of power showed a much larger difference. For example, political empowerment scored only about 0.18 points.