In a recent meeting, Gyeongnam Province officials, along with local businesses and youth organizations, gathered to tackle the pressing issue of youth employment. The discussions highlighted the mismatch between the job market’s demands and the skills of young job seekers, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to bridge this gap. Participants pointed out several critical factors contributing to the low employment rates among youth, including a manufacturing-centric job market and a preference for experienced hires.

Gangneung, a city in South Korea, has emerged as a beacon of economic revitalization, achieving a remarkable employment rate of 68.7% and winning the national job creation award for three consecutive years. This success is largely attributed to innovative policies like the local currency, Gangneung Pay, which has become a crucial platform for boosting local consumption and supporting small businesses. The city is not just focusing on immediate economic growth; it is also laying the groundwork for sustainable development by fostering the natural bio-industry as a key growth sector.

Eumseong County’s recent achievements in population growth and economic development serve as a compelling case study for other regions. Over the past year, the county has successfully attracted high-quality businesses, resulting in a remarkable increase of 2,200 residents and the creation of 4,174 new jobs. This growth is largely attributed to strategic investments in key sectors such as semiconductors, battery technology, and biopharmaceuticals, which have collectively drawn over 5 trillion KRW in corporate investments.