South Korean older adults tend to work longer than in other countries. The type of work and family support influence their decision to stay in the workforce past retirement age. Skilled manual workers are less likely to retire early and more likely to return to work. Men's retirement decisions are influenced by their career history, while women's decisions are more affected by family circumstances like financial support from adult children. Policies to help older workers stay employed should consider providing different types of support, especially for those with lower-class jobs and limited family networks.