The number of workers aged 50 or older has surpassed that of workers in their 20s and 30s for the first time, with the average age of employed South Koreans rising to 44-point-four.

According to Statistics Korea on Thursday, the number of employees in their 20s and 30s marked nine-point-37 million last year, accounting for 36-point-one percent of all workers.

The number of workers aged 50 or older reached nine-point-65 million, taking up 37-point-two percent of the total.

It is the first time that the number of older workers surpassed that of younger employees since 2000 when the country started compiling related data.

The surge of older workers is mainly attributed to the fact that those in the baby boom generation born between 1955 and 1963, who take up the largest portion of the population, are increasingly seeking jobs after retirement.