Busan, South Korea — The Busan city government has been recognized as a national leader in inclusive personnel management, receiving the prestigious Minister of Personnel Management Award at the 6th Integrated Personnel Performance Sharing Conference held on December 23 in Sejong City. This accolade highlights Busan’s sustained efforts to advance gender equality, inclusivity, and work-life balance in public service.
The annual conference, organized by the Ministry of Personnel Management, showcases exemplary performance in human resource management across South Korea’s public sector. Launched in 2019, it aims to promote innovation and inclusivity in government institutions, with a focus on fostering diverse workplaces.
Busan achieved an impressive 48.3% appointment rate of women in managerial positions in 2024, far surpassing the national goal of 40.6%. This milestone marks the fifth consecutive year that Busan has ranked first nationwide in gender representation in senior roles. Since 2019, the city has implemented strategic policies to ensure women are placed in key decision-making positions within essential departments like planning, budgeting, and human resources.
The city’s commitment to diversity extends beyond gender. Programs have been introduced to assist marginalized groups, including low-income individuals and persons with disabilities, through initiatives like the provision of assistive technologies and dedicated mentorship programs.
Busan has pioneered policies that create a family-friendly workplace environment. Initiatives include promoting male parental leave, offering flexible work schedules, and providing benefits for employees with young children. These efforts have helped public servants balance professional and personal responsibilities while fostering a supportive organizational culture.
Mayor Park Heong-joon highlighted the significance of these policies, stating, “Our approach to personnel management goes beyond meeting quotas. It’s about fostering an inclusive, equitable, and compassionate workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, can thrive.”
Busan’s achievements align with South Korea’s broader efforts to close the gender gap in public service. The country has made incremental progress on the gender equality index, improving its overall score to 65.7 in 2022. However, disparities remain, particularly in leadership positions and family care roles, where women face notable challenges.
At the national level, South Korea has introduced a five-year plan to increase female representation in leadership roles across sectors. This plan includes expanding opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields like the military and police services.
Globally, Busan’s efforts reflect a growing trend toward diversity and inclusivity in governance. While South Korea lags behind the OECD average for women in senior government positions, Busan serves as a model for how targeted policies can drive meaningful progress.
