0% Attrition Rate Among Foreign Seasonal Workers
Winner of the Manifesto Grand Prize
A Local Government's Administration Provides the Answer to "Restoring National Dignity"
"The nation's dignity has collapsed," "How could such a thing happen in 21st-century South Korea..."
On July 12, MBC News Desk aired an in-depth report on the death of a Nepali seasonal worker who died after suffering habitual assault from his employer at a domestic pig farm. This triggered widespread criticism, labeling South Korea as a "human rights backwater," and calls for a comprehensive review of the foreign worker system grew louder.
Two weeks later, on July 26, MBC revisited the issue of seasonal workers, this time highlighting the exemplary case of Geochang County in Gyeongsangnam-do as a complete contrast.
Geochang County's case, which directly improved seasonal workers' rights through broker-free recruitment, fair wage payments, and improved living conditions, was featured in a 2-minute and 46-second broadcast that was shared nationwide.
The video also became a sensation on YouTube. Despite not being a political issue, as of July 30 it had surpassed 170,000 views, 800 comments, and 5,000 likes. Comments such as "This is real news," "Expand this nationwide," "This deserves the administration award of the year," and "Where is Geochang? I want to go there for vacation" poured in.
It is now time to move beyond one-off news coverage and pursue "sustainable institutionalization." The county is refining the "seasonal worker system" not simply as a means of labor replacement, but as a strategy for agricultural innovation and community restoration.
Geochang County Governor Goo Inmo and staff are posing for a commemorative photo after winning the grand prize at the Manifesto Best Practice Competition. Source=Geochang County.
◆ Establishment of a Dedicated Organization to Solve Rural Labor Shortages
In January 2023, as a key pledge of the 8th popularly elected administration, the county established a dedicated "Rural Labor Task Force." As an organization under the direct supervision of the county governor's strategic office, its focus has been on securing expertise and a systematic approach to the foreign seasonal worker system.
The operational results have been clear. The number of seasonal workers, which stood at 246 in 2022, tripled to 758 in 2025. The unauthorized departure rate remained at "0%" for two consecutive years, proving the stability of the system.
◆ Blocking Brokers and Building Dormitories: A Complete System
The most notable achievement is the "zero broker intervention." Geochang County signed a direct agreement with Pura City in the Philippines and dispatched local officials to Geochang to ensure public oversight of recruitment and management. The transparent structure, in which airfare is prepaid and then deducted from wages, has increased trust in the recruitment process.
In addition, the county constructed the first dedicated dormitory for agricultural workers in Gyeongsangnam-do. The first floor of this dormitory integrates an employment counseling office, a rural labor brokerage center, and a public seasonal worker support center. This has resulted in a one-stop service infrastructure that both farms and workers can trust and use.
More than 30 local governments nationwide have visited to benchmark this model, and Geochang is now known as the "number one administrative district for seasonal workers."
◆ The "Public Worker" Model: Improving Productivity and Management Efficiency
Geochang County treats seasonal workers as "key partners in agricultural management," not just as labor. In fact, annual labor costs per worker have been reduced by about 10 million won, significantly easing the management burden on farms.
Recently, in response to changing farm needs, the county has expanded the introduction of a public seasonal worker system that allows for daily work arrangements. This enables flexible labor management without the burden of fixed employment, leading to high satisfaction among farms. The county plans to expand the deployment areas for public workers and adjust seasonal concentration going forward.
Geochang County is taking a group photo with Filipino seasonal workers during a welcoming ceremony. Source=Geochang County.
◆ From Rural Labor to Resident Population: Partners in the Local Economy
Of the 758 seasonal workers, about 400 currently reside in Geochang. They are not simply "temporary labor," but a resident population contributing to the local economy. They play a positive role in local consumption and revitalizing commercial districts, and some local residents have voluntarily engaged in providing meals and cultural exchange activities.
◆ A "Star Policy" Recognized by the Central Government: The Secret to Five Awards
Geochang County's seasonal worker policy has already been recognized by the central government as a "model of institutionalization." Its five awards, including the Grand Prize at the 2025 Manifesto Best Practice Competition and the Prime Minister's Award for Population Decline Response from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, are proof of its success.
The key to success is said to be the incorporation of actual farm needs from the planning stage. The ability of the local government to translate voices from the field into administration has produced results that even the central government did not anticipate.
◆ "Like Geochang"... Leaving a Precedent for Local Government Innovation
Geochang County's seasonal worker policy is evaluated as a comprehensive model that goes beyond solving labor shortages to address agricultural sustainability, human rights, and community recovery. It is a model case that shows what "good administration" is and how far the "role of local government" can be extended.
Real news starts with good news. And that news is now beginning in Geochang.
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