Seongdong-gu Provides 9 Million KRW Support to Improve Working Conditions in Clothing Manufacturing Companies

Up to 9 million KRW per business, total of 290 million KRW support to improve poor working conditions of small businesses

Installation of fire extinguishers, heating and cooling systems, and air purifiers to help prevent fires and improve work efficiency

Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Wono) announced that it will support up to 9 million KRW per business to improve the poor working conditions of clothing manufacturing companies.

The district was selected for a Seoul city public project and will support 34 companies in the first round with a total of 290 million KRW, and plans to provide additional support through a second selection in July.

Most clothing manufacturing companies are located underground due to rent burdens, making ventilation difficult. Dust and particles from fabrics accumulating on old electrical equipment not only increase the risk of fire but also threaten workers' health.

Essential equipment such as fire extinguishers, heating and cooling systems, air purifiers, and industrial vacuum cleaners will be supported for sewing companies and others in such poor environments. In addition, a total of 43 types of items, including cutting tables that improve work efficiency and productivity, are eligible for support. Up to 9 million KRW per company will be provided, with the company bearing 10% of the total cost.

Mr. Park, who has operated a sewing factory in Majang-dong for 30 years, said, “I didn’t know such a project existed, but the district office informed me via text message and helped with the application, so I received 8.5 million KRW in support this time,” expressing his gratitude.

In Seongdong-gu, more than 2,000 clothing sewing companies are concentrated in areas such as Hongik-dong and Doseon-dong. The district opened the Seongdong Smart Fashion Center in 2021 and operates a smart shared cutting room equipped with automated cutting equipment. Last year, it also became the first in the nation to establish a career certification system that certifies the experience of skilled workers who worked long-term without labor contracts but had no labor records. By the end of this year, a studio for product photography available to local small manufacturers will also be opened.

Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “I hope this support will help local clothing manufacturers and workers even a little during the economic downturn,” and added, “We will continue to spare no effort to create a safer and more pleasant working environment.”