Seoul Metro signed an MOU with the Seoul50Plus Foundation on Thursday to introduce the "Subway Smart Agent" program, which will deploy middle-aged workers ages 40–64 at subway stations to assist foreign tourists, support self-service kiosk use and maintain order.
Seoul Metro and the Seoul50Plus Foundation signed a partnership agreement Thursday to launch the "Subway Smart Agent" program, expanding social participation opportunities for middle-aged residents while strengthening frontline subway services.
Seoul Metro (President Kim Tae-gyun) signed an MOU with the Seoul50Plus Foundation (CEO Kang Myeong) on Thursday to introduce the "Subway Smart Agent" program, aimed at expanding social participation opportunities for middle-aged residents and strengthening citizen-centered services.
Under the agreement, experienced middle-aged workers will be stationed at subway stations to provide public services including passenger guidance, with the goal of broadening social engagement for the 40–64 age group while improving subway safety and service quality. The two organizations will also collaborate on operating job experience programs for middle-aged participants, providing training, and supporting on-site placement and operations.
The "Subway Smart Agent" role goes beyond the assistance currently offered by existing programs such as the subway boarding and alighting helper service. Agents will assist foreign tourists, help passengers use self-service kiosks and maintain order — expanding the scope to include passenger convenience and communication functions.
The program is part of a broader career support initiative designed to create economic opportunities and social connections for people in the 40–64 age bracket.
A total of 50 participants will be recruited. Applications are open from Thursday through May 10 through the "Middle-Aged Career Talent Support (Job Experience)" recruitment notice on the Iljamongttang jobs site operated by the Seoul50Plus Foundation. The final list of selected candidates will be announced through the same site on May 18 following a document screening.
Selected participants will be assigned to Seoul subway stations for up to three months each, beginning June 5. They will work three hours a day, fewer than 15 hours a week, with a maximum of 57 hours per month, and will receive an activity stipend from the Seoul50Plus Foundation based on the number of days worked.
"We expect the experience and capabilities of middle-aged workers to be meaningfully put to use in frontline services through this program," said Ma Hae-geun, head of Seoul Metro's business division. "We will continue to pursue collaborative projects across various sectors of society to improve service quality and fulfill our social responsibilities as a public institution."
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