Seoul City Invests 460 Billion Won for 3.69 Million Middle-Aged Generation

Focused Support for "Middle-Aged Seoul Run 4050" Restarting
Nation's First Comprehensive Plan for Job Training, Reemployment, Startups, and Retirement

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching ‘Seoul Run 4050 for Middle-aged People Running Again,’ a focused support program to help 3.69 million middle-aged individuals at life’s turning point overcome midlife crises and enjoy a happy retirement as lifelong active members of society.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced this at a press briefing held on the 20th at the ‘Seoul 50 Plus Central Campus.’

‘Seoul Run 4050 for Middle-aged People Running Again’ is the nation’s first comprehensive plan targeting the 4050 generation, which has been relatively underserved compared to existing generational and age-specific support policies for infants, children, adolescents, youth, and seniors.

First, with the goal of ‘increasing job opportunities and capabilities while reducing future worries,’ 460 billion KRW will be invested over five years (until 2026) across five sectors and 48 projects.

The five sectors are ▲strengthening vocational capabilities ▲job support including reemployment and entrepreneurship ▲enhancing digital skills ▲life planning and retirement preparation for a vibrant second half of life ▲and creating a dedicated space for the 4050 generation called ‘Vitality + Happiness Town.’

First, a Minerva-style vocational transition service package will be launched, allowing busy workers to learn anytime and anywhere through online and offline programs. At ‘Seoul Run 4050’ designed for the 4050 generation, participants can take 330 online education programs including certification and employment courses, and practice what they have learned at 108 learning spaces across Seoul such as the Seoul Technical Education Institute and SBA. ‘Seoul Run 4050’ will upgrade the existing lifelong learning portal system to provide middle-aged career change and vocational training programs starting March next year.

Additionally, for the 4050 generation who need jobs matching their careers and desires, reemployment and entrepreneurship education as well as customized job placements will be provided. The program will match the 4050 generation with diverse skills and experiences to companies with demand, and expand specialized career transition courses. A dedicated space called the ‘Entrepreneurship and Job Creation Academy’ will also be operated to actively support middle-aged technology startups.

‘Rewarding jobs’ that allow the 4050 generation to utilize their experience and expertise for economic activity and social contribution will be expanded as jobs for ‘walking together with the vulnerable,’ increasing from 4,755 people this year to 6,782 by 2026. Jobs in fields such as socially disadvantaged groups and multicultural families will be increased, and activity hours will be extended from 57 to 80 hours per month.

Furthermore, to enhance adaptability to the rapidly changing future society, digital competency support will be expanded. Digital transformation education will be increased for middle-aged people newly challenging future jobs such as IoT experts and drone specialists, as well as small business owners who want to boost online sales. Operation of ‘Digital Learning Centers’ will also be expanded to prevent falling behind in digital transformation embedded in daily life areas such as finance and transportation.

Moreover, support will be provided so that the 50+ generation can properly plan their life and prepare for retirement in their second act. Through self-assessment and counseling, a learning portfolio necessary for life transitions will be created, and a ‘Middle-aged Life Planning School’ will be opened in 2024 to assist with everything from reflecting on one’s value to new challenges. Programs for a safe and healthy retirement life, including digital finance, legal matters, and health management, will also be offered.

Finally, Seoul will create a dedicated space called ‘Middle-aged Vitality + Happiness Town’ for the 4050 generation to recharge their body and mind. It will be established in 2025 on the site of the now-closed Gangbuk Suyu English Village. Through differentiated programs and facilities such as overnight camps for couples and family relationship recovery, meditation rooms for mental healing, and healing forest trails linked to Bukhansan Mountain, the plan is to help middle-aged individuals in crisis regain passion and vitality.