The number of vocational qualifications that are operated and administered in Korea has amounted to around 20,000 by the end of 2015. Among them, national qualifications and national technical qualifications comprised of 4% of total qualifications, while private qualifications, which have recently been on the rapid rise, take up 96%.
There are approximately 2 million Candidates for national technical qualifications and accredited private qualifications respectively, but the numbers are on the decline overall. In particular, candidates aged 19 and under have decreased significantly.
There needs to be a national effort to collect and analyze basic data regarding qualifications and labor markets and to provide that information to individuals who are qualified or are trying to acquire qualifications in order to help them make rational decisions.