KCCI Initiates Temporary Closure of Human Resources Development Institute Due to COVID-19 Impact

Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gwangju (Jeonnam) Close for 4 Locations
Computer Utilization Skills and Other Exams Suspended Until the 13th

Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gwangju Human Resources Development Institute.

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Some of the Human Resources Development Centers operated by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have temporarily closed due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). KCCI plans to consider extending the closure period in accordance with the government's social distancing measures.

According to the business community on the 3rd, KCCI has temporarily closed four centers located in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gwangju (Jeonnam) starting this week, out of seven centers nationwide. During the closure period, some dormitories used by enrolled students have also been vacated to strengthen quarantine activities.

By region, the Seoul Human Resources Development Center is closed for four days from the 1st to the 4th of this month, Gyeonggi until the 6th, and Incheon until the 7th. Gwangju plans to maintain closure until the 10th following the implementation of an administrative order prohibiting gatherings equivalent to social distancing level 3 last week.

Enrolled and new students will resume classes normally according to the reopening schedule. However, students entrusted from general high schools can continue their education through non-face-to-face classes regardless of the closure. Staff at the closed centers are also adjusting their work schedules according to the COVID-19 situation. In Incheon Human Resources Development Center, 50% of all employees are currently on leave.

Additionally, the nationwide regular written exams conducted by the KCCI Qualification Evaluation Division will be suspended from today until the 13th.

The suspended exams during this period include nationwide regular written and practical tests conducted by KCCI, such as Computer Utilization Ability, Word Processor, Computerized Accounting Operator, and KCCI Hanja. Among these, the third regular written exam for the Computerized Accounting Operator scheduled for the 6th will also be suspended.

KCCI plans to respond cautiously to the reopening schedule by further postponing it if the COVID-19 resurgence continues. A KCCI official stated, “To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are suspending some regional Human Resources Development Centers and regular exams in accordance with the Ministry of Employment and Labor guidelines. We will discuss whether to resume based on the future trend of the spread.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.