Construction Industry Faces Mounting Mental Health Crisis Among 600,000 Workers
Seoul, South Korea – September 15, 2025 - A new report reveals a deeply concerning mental health crisis within South Korea’s construction sector, impacting an estimated 600,000 workers. The study highlights alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, fueled by demanding work conditions, economic instability, and a pervasive culture of silence surrounding mental wellbeing.This escalating issue threatens not only the lives and livelihoods of construction workers but also the stability of a vital industry underpinning the nation’s infrastructure growth.
The findings,released today by[NameofReportingOrganization-[NameofReportingOrganization-[NameofReportingOrganization-[NameofReportingOrganization-information missing from source],underscore a critical need for immediate intervention. The construction industry, traditionally characterized by long hours, physically strenuous labor, and precarious employment, has long been identified as a high-risk environment for mental health challenges. However,the scale of the problem,affecting a meaningful portion of the 600,000-strong workforce,demands urgent attention from policymakers,employers,and healthcare providers. The report calls for comprehensive support systems,destigmatization campaigns,and proactive mental health programs tailored to the unique pressures faced by construction workers.
The study identified several key contributing factors to the crisis. Intense competition within the industry, coupled with delayed payments and job insecurity, creates significant financial stress for many workers. The physically demanding nature of construction work, often performed in hazardous conditions, contributes to chronic pain and fatigue, further exacerbating mental health vulnerabilities. Furthermore, a deeply ingrained cultural stigma surrounding mental illness prevents many workers from seeking help, fearing judgment or professional repercussions.
Researchers found that[Specificstatisticaboutdepressionrates-[Specificstatisticaboutdepressionrates-[Specificstatisticaboutdepressionrates-[Specificstatisticaboutdepressionrates-information missing from source] of construction workers reported symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder, significantly higher than the national average. Anxiety disorders were prevalent in[Specificstatisticaboutanxietyrates-[Specificstatisticaboutanxietyrates-[Specificstatisticaboutanxietyrates-[Specificstatisticaboutanxietyrates-information missing from source]of the workforce, and a disturbing[Specificstatisticaboutsuicidalideation-[Specificstatisticaboutsuicidalideation-[Specificstatisticaboutsuicidalideation-[Specificstatisticaboutsuicidalideation-information missing from source]reported experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past year. these figures represent a significant increase compared to previous assessments conducted five years ago, indicating a rapidly worsening situation.
The report emphasizes the economic consequences of neglecting this mental health crisis. reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and a higher incidence of workplace accidents are all directly linked to poor mental wellbeing. Addressing these issues is not only a moral imperative but also a sound economic investment, the study argues.
Recommendations outlined in the report include mandatory mental health training for construction site managers, the establishment of confidential counseling services accessible to all workers, and the implementation of policies promoting work-life balance. Furthermore, the report calls for increased government funding for mental health research and support programs specifically targeted at the construction industry. The [Name of Reporting Organization] plans to present these findings to the Ministry of Employment and Labor next week, urging swift action to address this growing crisis and safeguard the wellbeing of South Korea’s construction workforce.