Jeollanam-do Listens to Voices from the Senior Employment Field

Pledging to Make Jeollanam-do the Number One Place for Senior Happiness

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the "Senior Job Support Organization (Senior Club) Communication Meeting" held on the 30th in the Seojaepil Room of the provincial office. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On May 30, Jeollanam-do held a communication meeting with senior job support organizations in the Seojaepil Room of the provincial office to listen to voices from the field of senior employment and discuss directions for future development.

The meeting was attended by Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, Hwang Jongkwon, head of the Jeonnam branch of the Korea Senior Club Association, as well as directors from 14 senior clubs across the province, including Yeosu and Suncheon, and a total of 20 participants.

Hwang Jongkwon, head of the Jeonnam branch, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Despite difficult financial circumstances, I appreciate that the scale and budget of this year's senior job projects have been increased to an all-time high, and that the initial investment support funds have also been raised."

He also proposed the establishment of a new event for senior job workers, where more than 600 people working on the front lines of senior employment can communicate and build unity, in order to support vibrant and active later years for seniors.

Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "As we enter a super-aged society where the elderly population exceeds 20% of the total, and as more seniors retire at 60 but still possess abilities comparable to those of young people, it is important to create good jobs that match their level and foster an environment where they can fully demonstrate their capabilities." He added, "We will actively expand the number of high-quality jobs that suit the characteristics of each region and make the best use of seniors' abilities." He also called for special attention to prevent safety accidents among seniors participating in jobs during the upcoming hot season.

The senior club directors who attended the meeting pledged to do their part for the development of senior employment in Jeonnam, to represent the voices from the field, and to cooperate to realize "Jeonnam, the number one place for senior happiness."

In response to population aging, the government launched the Senior Club as a pilot project in 2001. Under the "Senior Employment Act," these are specialized support organizations for senior employment, responsible for discovering and implementing jobs suitable for seniors and providing education. As of the end of May, 14 out of 22 cities and counties in Jeonnam are operating senior clubs.

This year, Jeollanam-do has allocated a record-high budget of 270 billion won for senior employment to support healthy and active later years for seniors, providing jobs for 67,000 people.