Choi Jae-hyung (name changed), a 29-year-old doctoral candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), shared that among the ten people who studied Mechanical Engineering with him at Seoul National University, only five are still pursuing the field. The rest have switched to medicine or law, joined large corporations, or settled in the US. When asked about his plans after graduation, Choi stated he would not return to South Korea, citing better opportunities and salaries in the US.
South Korea is a nation that heavily invests in research and development (R&D). This year, the government allocated 35,5 trillion won (23,1 billion USD) for R&D. Including private sector investment, total spending reached approximately 131 trillion won, equivalent to 5,13% of GDP. This rate ranks second among OECD countries, trailing only Israel.
However, a report by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that about 340,000 workers in science and engineering left the country between 2013 and 2023. Of these, 96,000 held master's or doctoral degrees.
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A researcher at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) is testing new battery technology. Photo: KERI
Inadequate income
Data from 23 research institutes under South Korea's Ministry of Science show that salary increases over the past five years have been lower than inflation. The average annual salary for a researcher with a bachelor's degree is about 40,6 million won, while a researcher with a doctoral degree earns about 77,4 million won.
Jung Min-seop, a senior researcher at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, stated his initial salary after completing his doctorate was about 2,4 million won (1,500 USD) per month. "After nearly ten years of study, that salary is insufficient," he commented.
In contrast, US national laboratories pay about 70,000 USD annually for researchers with a bachelor's degree and 120,000 USD for those with a doctoral degree. According to Choi, a newly graduated doctor in Silicon Valley can expect a starting salary equivalent to 300 million won per year, potentially reaching 500 million in artificial intelligence (AI) fields.
A survey by the Bank of Korea involving over 2,700 researchers revealed that 42,9% are considering working abroad within the next three years. Specifically, among the 20-30 age group, seven out of ten individuals intend to do so.
Unstable environment
Beyond salary, job instability is another significant factor. Jung Min-young, from the Korea Brain Research Institute, mentioned that less than one-half of the institute's approximately 200 researchers hold permanent positions. Many wish to return to South Korea after studying but decide to stay abroad because they cannot find long-term employment.
Scientific projects often lack continuity due to shifting priorities with each new administration. To secure funding, many teams must adjust their research topics. One researcher noted that international collaboration projects were easily funded in the past, but now the priority is AI. "I have to find ways to link my research to AI to have a chance at getting funding approved," the researcher explained, adding that basic science is being overlooked.
Additionally, administrative procedures reduce professional research time. Lee, a doctoral candidate in the US, recalled that when he worked in South Korea, students rotated handling paperwork, invoices, and waste management. "In the US, each team has dedicated staff for these tasks, allowing me to focus entirely on research," Lee said.
Cho Yong-chul, an associate professor at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, believes that to retain talent, South Korea needs not only to increase investment but also to create clear career paths and commensurate compensation packages.
Nhat Minh (According to Hankook Ilbo, Korea Times)
