South Korea's semiconductor boom challenges belief in university degrees as sole career path

About half of the school’s graduates head straight to large companies such as Samsung Electronics or SK Hynix without ever setting foot in a university classroom.

The scene illustrates how South Korea’s semiconductor boom is beginning to challenge the country’s deeply entrenched belief that a university degree is the only route to a successful career.

Even graduates of prestigious universities struggle to land jobs at large companies that are looking for experienced workers rather than new graduates.