Three related studies were carried out to address research questions. Firstly, sixteen interviews were held with women and men with and without paid jobs. Secondly, a survey and interviews were conducted with young Koreans. Thirdly, six mothers in managerial positions were interviewed. These studies found that traditional social norms contribute to discrimination in the workplace and private lives of South Korean women and men. However, most comply with these norms as they internalise social and gender role expectations. Secondly, young men are against supporting career-breaking women because they do not believe there is discrimination, and fear that it will be disadvantageous for them. Thirdly, six mothers who had a career break spoke about needing enhanced skills and qualifications to gain access to the same or superior opportunities as before. They are also more dedicated to advancing their careers. Working women often seek assistance with domestic tasks and childcare from their mothers, and financial necessity as well as upbringing at home influence women's motivation to enter or remain in the labour market. Furthermore, women encounter challenges in the form of a paucity of networks and inadequate support from, or envy of, their female colleagues. They are also confronted by a dearth of suitable role models.