"‘What If It Doesn't Work?’... Surge in Subway Safety Assistant Applications, Unstable Jobs"

Contract Period Does Not Exceed One Year
Limits on Employment Stability Pointed Out
Policy Needed from a Long-Term Perspective

"I am grateful that I can come out and work every morning. I hope there are more opportunities like this."

Since October last year, Lee Woo-young (73) has been working as a subway safety assistant at Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Proudly showing his ID badge, he said, "Through this work, I feel a sense of belonging and can also boost my self-esteem, so I am happy."
[Photo by Shim Seong-ah]

Recently, the popularity of 'Seoul Subway Safety Assistants' has been rising among the elderly. Although the number of applicants is increasing, job security is not guaranteed. Ultimately, there are calls to approach senior employment policies from a long-term perspective.

According to the Seoul Metro Corporation's 'Subway Station Safety Assistant Recruitment Status' on the 10th, 191 people applied in the first round, 277 in the second, 307 in the third, 168 in the fourth, and 287 in the fifth. For the sixth recruitment, there were only 100 positions available, but 571 people applied, with 90% being aged 60 or older.

There is no age limit for subway safety assistants, but priority is given to economically vulnerable groups and people with disabilities. The contract period ranges from as short as 5 months to as long as 8 months, not exceeding one year. Applicants can apply up to twice within two years. Seniors aged 60 and above can apply up to three times within two years, but consecutive participation is limited to twice.

At around 8:30 a.m. on the 7th, Sindang Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, was bustling with commuters. Among them, subway safety assistants wearing yellow vests were helping citizens pass safely. They are deployed at 265 subway stations across Seoul during rush hours (Crowd Safety Assistants from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Vulnerable Time Safety Assistants from Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.). Mr. Kim Young-woon (71) said, "I think being a subway safety assistant is truly a good job," and emphasized, "I am 100% willing to apply again."

At around 10 a.m. at Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Mr. Lee Woo-young (73) said, "After retirement, I worked at an apartment management office, but working all day was tough because my stamina couldn't keep up," adding, "Doing this job gives me a sense of belonging and boosts my self-esteem, making each day enjoyable." Ms. Yoo Young-soon (69) said, "I understand that only 100 people will be selected in this sixth recruitment," and complained, "If I don't get selected, I have to look for another job, but I am worried because there aren't many suitable jobs."

Professor Jung Soon-dul of Ewha Womans University’s Department of Social Welfare said, "Jobs like subway safety assistants are really important because they allow seniors to socialize and also help them health-wise and economically."

Professor Jung advised, "Currently, many senior employment policies strongly focus on supporting low-income groups, but it is necessary to thoroughly review whether to continue this policy direction or take a different path. From a long-term perspective, research should be conducted so that not only the government but also private companies can create jobs for seniors."