Why Did Kim Young-jong, Jongno-gu Mayor, Eliminate the 'Sibotteok Culture' Burden for New Public Officials?

Avoiding the culture of forcing economic expenses on new public servants... The district plans to consider ways to celebrate the start of public service... New public servants will receive a 'encouragement message' from the district mayor, 'books,' and 'refreshments' to share with department staff

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) is drawing attention by encouraging newly appointed employees in an effort to eliminate the custom that has been a burden under the name of ‘Sibotteok’ and to create a desirable public service culture unique to Jongno.

The so-called civil servant Sibotteok culture refers to the practice where, after completing a probationary period following appointment, the new employee formally appointed distributes rice cakes to senior public officials along with greetings.

Jongno-gu recognized this widespread problematic organizational culture in the public sector and decided to consider ways to celebrate the beginning of public service at the district level so that young employees are no longer forced to bear economic expenses.

Accordingly, starting this year, new public officials receive an ‘encouragement message’ and ‘books’ from the district mayor, as well as ‘refreshments’ that can be shared with senior staff in their assigned departments.

This is to warmly encourage employees who have worked hard to adapt to the organization during the probation period and to express gratitude to senior staff who have supported and encouraged them closely during this important time.

Moreover, Jongno-gu conducts various training programs to support the continuous growth and development of all employees, including new hires.

Especially this year, considering the COVID-19 situation, the programs have been significantly strengthened and operated mainly with practical content such as report writing and PowerPoint, delivered in non-face-to-face and small-group multiple sessions.

A ‘participatory reading program’ has also been prepared to promote a culture where individuals and the organization grow together. Through continuous reading learning, employees are encouraged to read up to four books per person this year, with Jongno Reading Leaders selected and awarded, as well as various events such as book report contests and reading concerts planned.

In addition, field learning is enhanced through benchmarking other autonomous districts, and a ‘foreign language proficiency improvement course’ is operated to develop public service skills in line with the global era, helping employees acquire foreign languages in small groups or one-on-one settings.

Computer training to enhance the work capabilities of employees at grade 7 and below, including new employees, will be conducted in April to May after a preliminary demand survey.

Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “We considered ways to encourage and celebrate new employees at the district level by breaking wrong customs, and instead of Sibotteok, we decided to provide books and refreshments that department staff can share. We will continue to promote substantial education and related policies that improve individual quality of life and strengthen work capabilities to create a workplace culture where anyone wants to work, not just new employees.”

Meanwhile, Jongno-gu will hire ‘Employee Safety Keepers’ to protect community center staff exposed to verbal abuse and assault by malicious civil petitioners.

Recently, several incidents of direct assault by petitioners have occurred at community centers in the district, causing shock to the affected employees and increasing anxiety among their colleagues. To prevent recurrence of such situations and to create a safe working environment and psychological stability, the district is conducting this hiring. Preference is given to those holding work-related certifications such as Taekwondo, Judo, Kendo, and Hapkido, and selected personnel will work until December.

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