The country’s share of temporary workers was the second highest in the OECD
in 2007 (Jones and Tsutsumi 2009). The high proportion of temporary workers is
a drag on growth as it increases worker turnover and hence reduces firm-provided
training, which plays a very important role in the Republic of Korea. It also raises
equity issues as non-regular workers face precarious jobs, wage discrimination,
and less social protection.