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A recent survey has uncovered alarming rates of sexual harassment and assault within Korean workplaces.

The survey, conducted by the civic group Gapjil 119 and polling agency Global Research, found that nearly one in four employees have experienced sexual harassment, while 15 percent reported experiencing sexual assault or abuse at work.

The survey, which polled 1,000 employees aged 19 and over between May 31 and June 10, revealed that 22.6 percent of respondents had encountered sexual harassment in their workplace. Women reported higher rates at 26.1 percent, compared to 19.1 percent for men.

Perpetrators were most commonly identified as non-executive superiors, at 40.7 percent, followed by employers at 23.5 percent, and colleagues of similar rank at 17.7 percent. Notably, 15 percent of respondents who experienced harassment considered self-harm or suicide as a result.

The survey also indicated that 15.1 percent of employees had suffered sexual assault or abuse in the workplace. The incidence was higher among women at 19.7 percent compared to men at 10.6 percent.

Stalking in the workplace was another concern, with 10.6 percent of respondents reporting such experiences. Non-executive superiors were again the most frequently identified perpetrators at 34.9 percent, followed by colleagues of similar rank at 20.2 percent.

Gapjil 119 noted that, compared to a similar survey conducted in August last year, the rate of reported sexual harassment and assault has increased significantly. Reports of sexual harassment rose from 14.2 percent to 20.8 percent, and reports of sexual assault or abuse increased from 13.8 percent to 20.8 percent.

"Despite the establishment and improvement of laws to prevent gender violence over the past year, the effects have not been significant. Changing reality is difficult through legal and system improvements alone; organizational culture and individual awareness within the organization must also change," Gapjil 119 said.