Inside Dorm Life: Indonesian Workers in Korea Face Uneven Living Conditions

Seoul — Living conditions for Indonesian workers in South Korea are drawing increasing attention as foreign labor becomes more essential to key industries. For many workers, dormitory quality is not just a matter of comfort but a critical factor affecting health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Most Indonesian workers enter South Korea under the Employment Permit System, holding E-9 non-professional work visas. They are typically employed in small and medium-sized manufacturing firms, farms, and fisheries, where employers provide shared housing facilities.

However, the quality of these accommodations varies significantly from one workplace to another. Some employers offer relatively well-maintained housing, including clean rooms, limited occupancy, shared kitchens, and proper heating systems suitable for harsh winters.

In contrast, other workers report living in converted containers, temporary structures, or spaces repurposed from industrial facilities. In such environments, issues like poor ventilation, overcrowding, and hygiene concerns are commonly raised.

Cost-related concerns also persist. In some cases, employers deduct housing and utility expenses directly from wages, but the lack of transparency in these deductions has led to confusion and dissatisfaction among workers.

Experts emphasize that housing conditions should be viewed as a core labor rights issue. When living and working spaces overlap, it becomes difficult to separate rest from labor, potentially undermining workers’ right to adequate rest and recovery.

The South Korean government has introduced stricter regulations on worker housing, including limits on the use of container units. Nevertheless, enforcement remains inconsistent, and gaps between policy and practice continue to exist.

Social dynamics within dormitories also play a role. Living with fellow nationals can provide emotional stability, while multicultural settings may lead to communication challenges and cultural misunderstandings.

Overall, the issue highlights broader structural challenges in managing foreign labor. As migrant workers become increasingly vital to Korea’s economy, improving living conditions is emerging as a key priority for sustainable workforce management.