Continued employment struggle for manufacturing, construction sectors

South Korea's year-on-year employment in July increased by 171 thousand, continuing two consecutive months of job gains in the 100-thousand range.

According to Statistics Korea on Wednesday, the employment rate for July rose by point-1 percent to hit a record 63-point-4 percent.

However, manufacturing and construction sectors continued to see job losses, down 78 thousand and 92 thousand,.. respectively.

Healthcare and social welfare added over 260 thousand jobs, while professional services gained 91 thousand.

The unemployment rate was 2-point-4 percent, down point-one percentage point from the same period last year.