Busan City Launches Pioneering ESG Job Creation Initiatives for Mid-life Citizens

Busan, South Korea - In a forward-thinking move to foster sustainable employment and stimulate the local economy, Busan City has officially launched the "Mid-life ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Job Creation Project." This initiative is designed to create environmentally friendly job opportunities and support regional development through partnerships with businesses and public institutions.

The "Mid-life ESG Job Creation Project" will commence in the latter half of this year, aiming to establish jobs that enhance environmental sustainability and social welfare. This project is poised to benefit mid-life citizens by offering new employment opportunities that leverage their experience and skills while promoting green practices.

A highlight of this initiative is the "Mid-life Walking Courier Project," which began in March in collaboration with GS Retail. This project supports mid-life individuals by involving them in local delivery services. Participants deliver lightweight daily necessities and groceries within a 1km radius of their residences using a mobile app, earning a delivery fee of 2,000 to 4,000 KRW per delivery.

So far, the project has engaged 50 participants, primarily around the age of 60, who use their spare time to deliver goods, earning an average of 200,000 KRW per month. Busan City aims to expand the number of participants to 200 by year-end, underscoring the project’s potential for generating income and promoting health through physical activity.

Another significant component is the "Mid-life Trekking Guide Job Creation Project," supported by the Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG). This initiative leverages Busan’s natural and cultural assets, such as the Galmaetgil Trail and the historic downtown area, to create professional trekking guide jobs.

Starting in July, the project will employ nine trekking guides who will receive a monthly salary of 780,000 KRW. Additionally, 86 participants will engage in social contribution jobs on a flexible basis. These trekking guides will lead various programs, including barrier-free trekking for the hearing impaired and their caregivers, scheduled for September and October.

The project is expected to enhance tourism accessibility and create sustainable employment by promoting cooperative enterprises and supporting job seekers with training and business start-up assistance.

The "Mid-life Fair Travel Instructor Training Project," conducted in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization, is another major initiative. This project aims to utilize the social and economic experience of mid-life citizens to promote eco-friendly and locally beneficial tourism practices.

Since June, Busan City has been operating a "Fair Travel Instructor Team," consisting of 12 graduates from a specialized training program. These instructors, working in pairs, visit local schools and community centers to conduct educational programs on fair travel practices, earning a monthly salary of 740,000 KRW.

This project is anticipated to create jobs in the growing fair travel sector, enhance Busan's reputation as a sustainable tourism destination, and contribute to the local economy while raising public awareness about responsible travel.

Director of the Social Welfare Bureau of Busan City, emphasized the city's commitment to expanding sustainable job opportunities for mid-life citizens. "We are dedicated to continuously developing and promoting environmentally friendly and socially beneficial job creation projects in collaboration with businesses and public institutions. Our goal is to ensure sustainable employment for mid-life citizens, contributing to the overall well-being of our community and environment."

This initiative is particularly crucial as South Korea faces a demographic shift with an increasing elderly population and a significant number of baby boomers entering retirement. As South Korea transitions to a super-aged society, with over 20% of its population expected to be over 65 by 2025, innovative job creation strategies are essential to maintain economic stability and social participation among senior citizens​.