2026 Youth Job Promising SMEs
12 More Young Employees Hired on Average Than General Companies
Total Compensation 630,000 Won Higher
A total of 224 promising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have demonstrated strong youth employment records and corporate competitiveness have been selected as companies where young people want to work.
On December 31, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, together with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, announced the '2026 Youth Job Promising SMEs.' This system was introduced to improve young people's perception of SMEs and mid-sized companies and to alleviate job mismatches. Since 2016, promising SMEs have been selected every year. This year, applications were received from priority support companies, and a comprehensive evaluation was conducted based on youth employment records, compensation and welfare, employment stability, and profit-generating capability.
A comparative analysis between the 224 newly selected Youth Job Promising SMEs and general companies showed outstanding results in youth employment growth, compensation, and sales growth rate. The average starting monthly salary for young employees at the Youth Job Promising SMEs was 630,000 won higher than that of general companies. The youth employment retention rate was 8.5 percentage points higher at these promising SMEs. The average number of new young hires was 16 at the Youth Job Promising SMEs, compared to just 4 at general companies. The sales growth rate for the Youth Job Promising SMEs stood at 58.7%, which is 13.5 percentage points higher than that of general companies.
Among the notable examples, AP Satellite Co., Ltd. is a specialized space industry company that handles the entire process of space development, from satellite development to testing, verification, and satellite communication services. The company supports work-life balance through flexible working hours and refresh leave. In addition, it provides full support for job-related self-development expenses and long-term service awards, helping young talent enhance their capabilities and maintain stable employment.
Youth Job Promising SMEs are eligible for various government support programs, including a three-year subsidy for heatwave disaster prevention equipment and support for research personnel in SMEs. They also receive preferential treatment in government project selection and recruitment, exemption from regular tax audits, preferential interest rates (KB Kookmin Bank), opportunities to participate in job fairs, and youth supporter activities.
Park Yongsoon, Director General for SME Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "With youth unemployment and the ongoing labor shortage in SMEs, we will strengthen support for regional companies so that more Youth Job Promising SMEs can be discovered in local areas."
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