Jongno-gu Achieves S Grade in Urban Manufacturing Work Environment Improvement Project Competition

Up to 9 Million Won in Support per Business
71 Companies Selected

On June 24, Jongno-gu in Seoul announced that it had achieved an S grade in the Seoul Metropolitan Government's "2025 Urban Manufacturing Work Environment Improvement Support Project" competition, securing the largest budget among the city's 25 districts, with more than 460 million won. Through this achievement, the district has laid the groundwork to provide a safe and pleasant working environment for small-scale manufacturers in the area and to support their efforts to strengthen competitiveness.

Scene from the business briefing session. Provided by Jongno-gu.

The support is targeted at small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees in five key sectors: garment manufacturing, jewelry, machinery and metal, printing, and handmade shoes. The project focuses on eliminating various occupational hazards and improving production facilities.

The maximum support per business is 9 million won (covering 90% of actual costs). The cost burden is reduced by allocating 70% from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 20% from Jongno-gu, and 10% as self-payment by the business owner.

Jongno-gu accepted applications in March and April this year and, after a review process, announced the final project recipients last month. Once each business completes construction by October, the district will conduct on-site inspections and distribute subsidies by the end of the year.

A total of 71 businesses were selected this time: 31 in garment manufacturing and 40 in jewelry. The district prioritized swift support for businesses located underground, which suffer from poor conditions such as dust, lighting, and ventilation, as well as those exposed to risks due to the absence of fire extinguishers and fire detectors, aiming to protect workers' health and safety.

Jung Moonheon, Mayor of Jongno-gu, stated, "We aim to help small urban manufacturers improve their old and outdated production facilities, create a pleasant working environment, and enhance worker satisfaction." He added, "I hope this project will be successfully established, leading to an influx of new talent and increased productivity."