'Direct Impact of COVID-19' Employment Support Services for Job Changers in Seoul's Travel Industry

Operation of 'Special Team' at Seoul Employment Welfare Plus Center Starting from the 25th

On October 15 last year, when some travel agencies were undergoing large-scale layoffs due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the door of a travel agency in Jung-gu, Seoul was closed. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government will implement customized employment support services for workers who have left the travel industry in the Seoul area, which has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 24th that from the 25th, it will establish and operate a 'Special Employment Support Team for the Travel Industry' at the Seoul Employment Welfare Plus Center. This is to assist those who have left or are scheduled to leave the travel industry in finding new jobs.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has designated eight industries, including the travel industry, as 'Special Employment Support Sectors' and is providing support accordingly. Last year, 14,900 workers left the travel industry, similar to 14,800 in 2019.

Since 64.4% of workplaces with travel industry leavers are concentrated in Seoul, services will be provided starting from Seoul.

Source: Ministry of Employment and Labor

The special support team plans to offer 'proactive outreach services' and 'customized employment (career change) support services.'

After securing a list of leavers through voluntary retirement lists and basic employment insurance data, the team will explain available programs and guide them to receive services.

For those who clearly wish to change careers to a specific industry, vocational training or intensive job placement will be provided.

During the intensive placement process, various incentive programs linked to corporate recruitment will be thoroughly explained.

Support will be linked with startup support package programs from organizations such as the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development.

For those who want to change careers but do not have a clear preferred industry, counseling and vocational psychological tests will be conducted to help them decide on a desired industry first, followed by vocational training or intensive placement.

Those with low motivation for career change will be encouraged to raise their job-seeking motivation through participation in group counseling programs.

Kim Young-jung, Director of Employment Policy at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, said, "We hope that the special support team will provide significant help to travel industry leavers during their reemployment process."

Director Kim added, "We plan to continue preparing proactive support measures for industries and regions where the number of leavers is expected to increase."

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