The Military Manpower Administration announced on December 30, 2025, that it has allocated a total of 6,300 positions for 2026 to designated companies in the fields of professional research, industrial technical work, and reserve seafarer service, including shipping and fisheries companies.
According to the Military Manpower Administration, among the 2,300 positions for professional research personnel, 1,100 have been allocated to doctoral programs, and 1,200 to company-affiliated research institutes for those with a master's degree or higher. Of the 3,200 industrial technical personnel, 2,875 have been assigned to key industries, 55 to the defense industry, and 270 to agriculture and fisheries.
In particular, next year, the administration will preferentially allocate 500 positions-an increase of 200 compared to this year-to certified companies in advanced strategic industries, as well as to those specializing in low-carbon certification and materials, parts, and equipment, in order to contribute to the development of nationally prioritized industries.
For reserve seafarer service, 747 out of 800 positions have been assigned to shipping companies and 53 to fisheries companies. Next year, priority will be given to companies managing and operating nationally essential vessels, as well as to companies recognized for excellence in protecting workers' rights. Starting with the 2027 allocation, the number of positions will be increased to 1,000 to foster maritime professionals and strengthen competitiveness in the shipping industry.
Hong Soyoung, Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, stated, "We will continue to support professional and industrial personnel in key fields such as artificial intelligence and the defense industry, and contribute to the development of strategic industries."
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