In conclusion, traditional social norms and gender roles are a significant obstacle to the effectiveness of support programmes and policies due to a lack of confidence in their efficacy. The key to achieving gender equality in the workplace and supporting female labour market participation is modifying perceptions. Replicating the most efficacious policies of other countries, particularly the Scandinavian countries, is not an effective approach in South Korea given its distinct social, cultural and mental landscape. The Chaebol-led economy structure must also be modified to avoid polarising the labour market and creating an environment of intense competition. This means SMEs cannot provide the same employee benefits and remuneration as larger companies. SMEs represent 99% of companies in South Korea and so are unable to implement gender policies due to financial constraints. SMEs need an able workforce and are unable to source suitable candidates in a timely manner. If we do not intervene to address gender disparity in the South Korean labour market, the country’s economic growth and population dynamics will continue to suffer.