Foreign housekeepers participating in a government pilot project in Seoul were found to be significantly underpaid and tasked with additional duties beyond their agreements, as revealed by a recent survey. Launched in September 2024 by the Seoul metropolitan government, the program aimed to address the local shortage of maids by employing 100 individuals, mainly from Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, to work in over 150 households in the city. The initiative, which concluded in December last year, also sought to support women in advancing their careers.
The survey indicated that these housekeepers received an average monthly wage of 1.92 million won (US$1,303) during the initial six months of the project. This amount was notably less than half of what South Koreans earned on average in 2024, which stood at 3.74 million won. After accounting for expenses like accommodation and insurance, their net monthly income was reported to be only 1.18 million won.
Some respondents highlighted that they were required to perform tasks outside their designated roles, such as dishwashing, pet care, and English tutoring for children. Professor Lee Mi-ae from Jeju National University, who led the survey, emphasized the need to reassess the value of childcare, acknowledge the economic importance of housekeeping work, and promote a positive cycle of offering high-quality housekeeping services and employment opportunities.
The survey involved 21 Filipino housekeepers in their 20s and 30s, along with two translators, and was conducted between April and May last year. The findings were published in a journal by the Korea Association for Immigration Policy and Administration.
