"Money Goes Out Just for Breathing"... Local Government Support Eases Burden for Job Seekers [Benefits Essentials]

Annual Job Preparation Costs Reach 4.55 Million Won, Adding to Youth Burden
Local Governments Step Up with "Lifesaver Policies" for Job Seekers
From Free Suit Rentals and Exam Fee Reimbursements to Interview Allowances

Editor's Note'You see as much as you know, and you save as much as you know.' We live in an age overflowing with information, yet there are still many things that pass us by without notice. In [Benefits Essentials], we deliver useful tips that can help you save money in everyday life-tips that could cost you if you miss them.

#Job seeker Kwon (25) recently received the news that he had passed the document screening, but he could not fully celebrate. Calculating the cost of a new interview suit, transportation to and from Seoul, and meals, he realized he could end up spending several hundred thousand won. Kwon sighed, saying, "I've already spent a lot on lecture fees and test application fees for preparing my documents, and now with interview preparation costs added, the financial burden is significant."

Job seekers lined up to enter the '2026 Public Institution Recruitment Information Fair' held at aT Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on January 27. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

According to the "January 2026 Employment Trends" released by the National Data Office on February 11, the unemployment rate among young people aged 15 to 29 last month stood at 6.8%, while the number of young people who said they were "just resting" without job-seeking activities reached 469,000.

The situation is not easy even for those who have not given up on finding a job. A survey by JobKorea Content LAB of 485 job seekers found that the average annual cost of private education for employment preparation approaches 4.55 million won. When combining academy fees, textbook costs, and various certification exam fees, job seekers spend an average of about 380,000 won per month as a fixed expense.

As the financial burden on young job seekers increases, local governments across the country are expanding practical support measures to reduce the costs incurred during job preparation. The trend is shifting toward a "hands-on administrative approach" that goes beyond simple job matching, carefully addressing the entire job preparation process-from interview attire rental and reimbursement of exam fees to job-seeking allowances.

"No More Worries About Interview Attire"... Free Suit Rental Services

Seoul City's free interview suit rental service, "Chwieopnalgae." Seoul City Job Portal

The most notable support is for interview attire. Buying a suit costing hundreds of thousands of won for just one interview is a heavy burden for job seekers. In response, each local government is partnering with professional companies to provide "free suit rental services," easing the load for young people.

Young people aged 18 to 39 residing in Seoul can borrow suits for free up to 10 times a year through the "Chwieopnalgae" program. This includes not only ties, shoes, and belts but also skirts and blouses for women. Each rental can be used for 3 nights and 4 days, and if visiting a rental location is difficult, returning by courier is also possible.

Interview suit rental services are expanding not only in Seoul but also in other regions. Incheon City supports rental of interview suits and provides interview image consulting through its "Dreamnarae" program, while Busan City operates the "Dream Closet" service to offer interview attire free of charge. Local governments within Gyeonggi Province are also running their own suit rental programs for young job seekers. Similar support projects are being implemented in other metropolitan cities such as Daejeon and Daegu and in various provinces, and the trend is expanding nationwide.

"Don't Throw Away Your Exam Receipts"... Up to 300,000 Won Reimbursed Per Person

Job seekers can also get reimbursed for language and certification exam fees, which are essential for employment. With the recent rise in certification exam fees, this area has seen the highest support among young people.

The "Gyeonggi Youth Capacity Enhancement Opportunity Support Project" supports language and certification exam fees for unemployed young people in Gyeonggi Province. Apply through the Jababa App.

Through the "Gyeonggi Youth Capability Enhancement Opportunity Support Project," Gyeonggi Province provides up to 300,000 won per year to unemployed youth residing within the province for language exams (such as TOEIC, TOEFL, and 19 other types) and national technical certification exams (such as Computer Utilization, Information Processing Engineer, and 541 other types). Applicants can receive support by submitting payment receipts and exam confirmation documents within the designated application period.

Major metropolitan areas such as Busan and Gwangju, as well as certain district-level governments in Seoul such as Gangnam-gu and Seongdong-gu, have also set aside their own budgets to provide exam fee support of around 100,000 won. However, in some regions, those already receiving benefits from the National Employment Support System or Youth Allowance may be excluded from support. Most exam fee support programs are provided on a first-come, first-served basis within the budget, so it is important to check announcements and apply quickly.

"Get Paid for Going to Interviews"... 'Interview Allowance' Reduces Transportation and Meal Costs

Job seekers attending the Gangnam-gu Job Fair held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are participating in on-site interviews. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

For young people who have to travel long distances for interviews, transportation and meal costs are another burden. To address this, some local governments operate "interview allowance" programs, providing cash or local currency upon proof of interview attendance.

Gyeonggi Province and Incheon Metropolitan City provide 50,000 won per interview through the "Youth Interview Allowance." Seoul City offers the "Youth Allowance," supporting unemployed youth with 500,000 won per month for up to six months, which can be used for transportation, hair styling, makeup, and other interview preparation costs.

Other metropolitan cities, including Busan, also reimburse interview costs by providing about 50,000 won per interview for up to two interviews per year upon proof of participation.

Although each of these supports may seem small on its own, when strategically combined, job seekers can save at least several hundred thousand won to over one million won during the job preparation period. However, as the eligibility requirements and application periods differ by local government, it is important to regularly check the website of your city, county, or district office, or the integrated youth policy portal "Ontong Youth."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.