CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

Amid accelerating global population aging and declining fertility rates, the contraction of the working-age population has emerged as a critical challenge, particularly at the regional level. Chungbuk faces similar structural pressures: although the economic participation rate among adults aged 65 and older is relatively high, the province records one of the highest labor shortages and vacancy rates in Korea, reflecting persistent constraints in labor supply. In response, the province has implemented two initiatives—the Chungbuk Urban Worker Support Program and the Chungbuk Urban Farmer Program—designed to alleviate chronic workforce shortages in manufacturing and agriculture while facilitating the labor market entry of underutilized populations.

Both programs saw substantial increases in participation between 2023 and 2024, accompanied by rising satisfaction among workers, firms, and farm enterprises. Based on 2024 results, the Urban Worker Support Program generated KRW 12.84 billion in final demand, resulting in KRW 19.68 billion in production inducement, KRW 11.76 billion in value-added creation, and approximately 315 jobs. Similarly, the Urban Farmer Program created KRW 10.8 billion in final demand, inducing KRW 17.77 billion in production, KRW 9.36 billion in value-added, and more than 326 jobs. Beyond these quantitative outcomes, both programs contributed to qualitative benefits, including regional economic revitalization, income enhancement for vulnerable groups, strengthened social cohesion, community activation, and greater resilience to climate change.From a policy perspective, strengthening the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Chungbuk’s short-term employment initiatives requires a more advanced operational and performance management model. With platform-based labor and population aging reshaping local labor markets, these programs should evolve from simple temporary job placements into a comprehensive regional labor-matching platform capable of continuous workforce allocation. This transition necessitates developing an integrated database based on job type, experience, and skill level; institutionalizing industry-specific labor demand forecasting; adopting AI-supported matching systems; and establishing a data-driven performance management framework that systematically integrates participant, firm, and farm information.

Given Chungbuk’s demographic and labor market characteristics, adopting a life-cycle–based approach to program design is also essential. This includes developing new employment models that leverage the experience and capabilities of older adults, as well as establishing package-type support systems—including assessment, training, practical experience, and work placement—for women returning to the workforce. Finally, enhancing the long-term institutional standing of Chungbuk’s short-term worker 

initiatives will require stronger linkages with national government programs, diversified financial support structures, and inter-provincial collaboration. Such strategic coordination is expected to bolster regional economic vitality and strengthen Chungbuk’s capacity to respond to population decline.