What Will Happen to the '35?55' Sandwiched Generation? Busan Unveils First Plan to Foster the 'Key Generation'

Comprehensive Plan for "Life Cycle Support, Happy Busan" Established
91.8 Billion Won to Be Invested from 2025 to 2028

Busan City has unveiled its first plan to foster the so-called "Key Generation" out of the "sandwiched generation," which has been considered to fall into a policy blind spot.

On October 14, Busan Metropolitan Government (Mayor Park Hyungjoon) announced that it has established and will implement the "1st Comprehensive Support Plan for the Sandwiched Generation in Busan Metropolitan City (2025-2028)" to support the "sandwiched generation" residing in Busan.

This plan is a statutory initiative established every four years under the "Busan Metropolitan City Ordinance on Support for the Sandwiched Generation," the first of its kind in the nation. The city will invest 91.8 billion won by 2028 under the slogan "From the Sandwiched Generation to the Key Generation," aiming to promote social integration and economic vitality.

According to Article 2 of the ordinance, the "sandwiched generation" refers to citizens aged 35 or older but under 55 who reside in Busan. This generation faces concentrated social burdens such as child-rearing, caring for elderly parents, and workplace competition. Through this plan, the city aims to address the policy blind spots affecting them.

The comprehensive plan envisions "a happy Busan for all through support across the life cycle." It consists of 32 support projects across six key areas: ▲ employment ▲ capacity building and education ▲ housing stability and finance ▲ culture and leisure ▲ childbirth and parenting ▲ preparation for old age and health.

In the employment sector, six projects will be implemented, including the expansion of the "4050 Employment Promotion Support Project." In the capacity building and education sector, four projects will be carried out, such as the "Workplace Vocational Competency Enhancement Program."

In the housing stability and finance sector, five projects will be promoted, including the "Hope Double Savings Account Support Project for Closed Small Business Owners." In the culture and leisure sector, seven projects will be implemented, such as the pilot project for the "Busan-Style Children's Fast Track."

In the childbirth and parenting sector, six projects are included, such as the expansion of "Family-Friendly Certification for Companies." In the preparation for old age and health sector, four projects will be carried out, including the "Asset Management Education Program for Retirement Preparation."

In 2026, the city plans to add three new projects, including the "Busan 40+ Happy Mother Package Support Project," to further expand the scope of support.

Lee Joonseung, Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs of Busan City, stated, "Through this comprehensive plan and the continuous development of new projects, we will address the policy neglect of the sandwiched generation and lay the foundation for social integration and economic vitality. We will help the sandwiched generation become the 'Key Generation' and foster a sense of pride."

Busan City Hall

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