Supporting the Middle-Aged Workforce in Gyeonggi Province
[Reporter Choi Kyung-sook]
Retirement from a job does not mean the desire to work disappears. For middle-aged individuals who have completed long careers, retirement can be a time of rest but also a period of reflection on what to do in a longer life. In Gyeonggi Province, the participation rate of the middle-aged workforce continues to rise steadily.
Gyeonggi Province's middle-aged economic participation rate is 77.8%
According to the 'Gyeonggi Province Middle-Aged Statistics' for 2025, the economic population of middle-aged individuals (ages 40-64) is 4.414 million, with a participation rate of 77.8%. Although this rate dropped to 74.4% in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19, it has been steadily increasing from 76.7% in 2022 to 77.8% in 2025. The number of employed individuals has also risen, with 4.33 million middle-aged workers expected in 2025, an increase of 33,000 from the previous year, and an employment rate of 76.3%. This figure is 12.5 percentage points higher than the overall employment rate of 63.8% in Gyeonggi Province, highlighting that the middle-aged demographic remains a crucial part of our economy.
What is the economic participation rate?
This rate refers to the proportion of the population that is engaged in economic activities, including both employed individuals and those seeking employment.
Wanting to work again, but unsure where to start
However, finding a new job is not easy, even after many years of work. The industrial structure and work methods are changing rapidly, and the importance of digital skills makes it difficult for many to enter new positions based solely on past experience. Ironically, those who have worked for a long time may feel overwhelmed about what jobs suit them or where to find job information after retirement.
Therefore, what middle-aged individuals need is not just information about job openings. They require support tailored to their life transitions, including education for new roles, a review of their previous experiences, hands-on work opportunities, and connections to employment. Fortunately, Gyeonggi Province is responding to these changes with policies aimed at providing jobs and life transition support for the middle-aged.
Job support for the middle-aged: from education to work experience
Did you know that Gyeonggi Province is the only region in the country with a dedicated department for middle-aged policies? It has expanded its support from focusing solely on re-employment to encompass job support and life transition support, aiding in vocational training, work experience, and employment connections.
Notable programs include the Middle-Aged Job Campus, Middle-Aged Internship, Baby Boomer Light Jobs, and support for Baby Boomer social contribution activities. These programs offer diverse options for those preparing for re-employment, those wanting to leverage their professional experience, and those seeking flexible work arrangements.
Particularly, the Middle-Aged Internship program provides real work experience, enhancing re-employment possibilities. This program reminds me of the movie 'The Intern' (2015), where Ben (played by Robert De Niro) joins as an intern at 70 and makes significant contributions with his experience.
The Baby Boomer Light Jobs program stands out by offering relatively flexible job options for those who find long hours burdensome. Kim Hong-seok (61, Pyeongtaek) recently learned about this program and expressed relief, stating, "I may not be able to work full-time like before, but I want to contribute meaningfully, even if it means earning less." If you wish to utilize your existing professional experience, programs like the Gyeonggi Senior Professional initiative, which supports employment in international development cooperation, are also available.
Support for not just jobs, but also for 'how to live moving forward'
Concerns after retirement are not limited to employment. Many middle-aged individuals ponder how to spend their newfound time and what to do next after decades of work. To support this life transition, Gyeonggi Province offers the Middle-Aged Internship (人-Turn) Camp, providing opportunities to explore new work and life experiences.
Retirement is not the end of work, but a new beginning
As life expectancy increases, the time after retirement in one's 50s and 60s is also extending. Some challenge themselves with new careers, while others return to work using their previous experience. Importantly, there are still paths to choose after retirement.
The increase in Gyeonggi Province's middle-aged economic participation rate to 77.8% reflects the desire of many to continue working, seek new opportunities, and reconnect with society. It is encouraging to see Gyeonggi Province recognizing the middle-aged not just as beneficiaries of welfare but as valuable human resources in the community, expanding job and life transition support accordingly.
If you are contemplating what to do after retirement, consider reflecting on your experiences and the life you desire, and explore the middle-aged support programs offered by Gyeonggi Province.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224362813950
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