Seoul Jung-gu Supports Work Environment Improvement for 185 Manufacturing Businesses

Up to 5 million KRW per company, supporting up to 90% of actual expenses

Before and after images of duct construction. Provided by Jung-gu.

Jung-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Kim Gil-seong) announced on the 28th that it is supporting the "Urban Manufacturing Work Environment Improvement" for 185 manufacturing companies in the district.

From March 25 to April 9, Jung-gu accepted applications for participation in the "Work Environment Improvement Support Project" targeting the five major manufacturing industries in the district: printing, garment sewing, machinery and metal, jewelry, and handmade shoes manufacturing companies. A total of 189 companies applied, and except for 4 disqualified companies, all were selected.

Until last year, the district only supported the fashion sewing industry, but this year the target was expanded to the five major manufacturing industries. Also, unlike last year when only 39% of applicants could receive support, this year all applicants were eligible for support. The support amount is up to 5 million KRW per company, with Seoul City and Jung-gu covering up to 90% of the expenses incurred.

Selected companies carry out improvement works to eliminate workplace hazards, improve working conditions, and enhance work efficiency, and then submit supporting documents to the district office. Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire detectors, and piping, as well as ventilation fans, air purifiers, work chairs, and cutting tables can be replaced or installed.

In particular, this year the district focused on supporting items necessary for preventing and responding to safety accidents and improving air quality, so that on-site workers can work safely and healthily.

According to the 2022 National Business Survey by Statistics Korea, the number of the five major manufacturing companies in Jung-gu is 10,357, with over 89% of companies having four or fewer employees, indicating that most are small-scale businesses. Among them, more than 64% of workers are aged 50 or older, showing an overall aging workforce.

Mayor Kim Gil-seong said, "Jung-gu has traditionally been a core hub of urban industry with a concentration of various manufacturing industries such as sewing and printing," and added, "We will actively support urban manufacturing to maintain its status as a competitive regional representative industry amid rapidly changing industrial landscapes."