Social perceptions of seafarers and the sustainable development of the maritime workforce: a questionnaire survey in South Korea.

This study examines social perceptions of the seafaring profession and explores how these perceptions influence occupational attractiveness and the sustainable development of the maritime workforce. A questionnaire survey was conducted among students, the general public, and active seafarers, examining multidimensional factors including occupational image, knowledge level, working conditions, career choice and recommendation intentions, and perceived social value. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify differences in perceptions among the respondent groups. The findings indicate that, despite the critical role of seafarers in global shipping, maritime logistics, and national maritime security, their societal value and professional recognition remain low. Significant differences were identified across respondent groups. Students and members of the general public tended to overestimate the occupational image, whereas active seafarers reported negative assessments of working conditions and career sustainability. The study suggest that limited public recognition and unfavorable perceptions of employment conditions may reduce the attractiveness of seafaring careers and pose challenges to the sustainable development of the maritime workforce. The study highlights the need for evidence-based social policies, public awareness campaigns, and institutional interventions to strengthen occupational recognition, improve workforce wellbeing, and support the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry.