"Jobs Are Welfare"... Geumcheon District Aims to Create 12,500 Jobs This Year

On April 14, the Geumcheon District of Seoul (headed by District Mayor Yoo Seonghoon) announced that it has established a detailed plan for the "2026 Local Job Creation Target Disclosure Initiative," aiming to create 12,500 jobs and achieve an employment rate of 69.3% this year.

Panoramic view of Geumcheon District Office. Provided by Geumcheon District Office.

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The district prepares and discloses job creation measures each year in accordance with the Basic Act on Employment Policy. This year, the plan was developed in response to external factors such as the economic downturn and declining employment indicators. As of 2025, both the number of employed persons and the employment rate have decreased, and the mismatch phenomenon-where job seekers outnumber job openings-has become more pronounced, making swift action necessary.

With the goal of "Building a Job Ecosystem that Empowers Residents," the district has prepared four major strategies and 26 action tasks, comprising a total of 115 projects. By category, the job creation targets include 6,079 direct jobs, 2,704 positions through vocational training, 1,760 through employment services, 740 via employment incentives, 297 through support for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, and 920 through other initiatives such as public-private partnerships.

The district will also strengthen customized support for different demographic groups. For young people, it will broaden the foundation for employment and entrepreneurship through the Youth Challenge Support Program, cooperation with the Youth Employment Academy, and operation of the Geumcheon Youth Dream Center. For middle-aged and older residents, the Geumcheon 50 Plus Center will serve as a hub to continuously support employment opportunities. The district will also enhance job matching functions through the operation of the Job Center and the "Ilgu Day" on-site interview program.

This year, the focus is on moving away from a public sector-centered job structure by expanding vocational training and startup support to facilitate a transition to private sector employment. The district will also promote AI- and digital-based job training and foster talent tailored to the needs of businesses.

A district official stated, "The 2026 job target disclosure is a valuable promise to our residents," adding, "We will work together with the private sector to build a sustainable employment foundation."

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