Residents work for Greater Seoul and overseas firms without leaving Busan

City aims to connect local talent to quality jobs beyond regional boundaries

A promotional poster for the Busan Stay-and-Work Remote Employment Support Project [Busan city government]
A promotional poster for the Busan Stay-and-Work Remote Employment Support Project [Busan city government]

The Busan city government said Thursday it has confirmed the viability of a new "stay-and-work" employment model through its Busan Stay-and-Work Remote Employment Support Project, launched for the first time this year, which allows residents to take on work from companies outside the region without relocating.

The project connects skilled professionals living in Busan with project-based work from companies elsewhere in the country, giving them access to employment and career development opportunities without having to move. The city funded it with 130 million won ($93,900) in incentive money won last year after receiving the metropolitan government prize at the Ministry of Employment and Labor's National Local Government Jobs Award.

Through the initiative, participants in development, design and AI fields took on projects for companies in the Greater Seoul area and abroad. A designer who had relocated to Busan carried out design projects while living in the city, and professionals with overseas work experience settled in Busan and took on assignments for startups expanding into the United States and foreign-affiliated firms.

One participant who runs a software development firm in Busan expanded his scope of work to include website, community platform and proprietary online store development for Greater Seoul companies, as well as AI technology and architecture design. A university student enrolled at a school in the metropolitan area participated in planning and AI development projects for a Seoul-based company while living in Busan. Professionals who had stepped away from work due to childbirth and childcare also used remote project work to resume their careers and re-enter the workforce.

Unlike conventional jobs policy, which focuses on attracting companies and expanding hiring at local firms, the stay-and-work remote model leverages the nature of digital work to connect Busan talent with labor demand from companies outside the region. The city expects the model to help retain local talent, particularly by giving young professionals and skilled workers who might otherwise move to the Greater Seoul area the option to stay in Busan while working across regional boundaries.

"Rather than having people leave to find jobs, we will build an environment where residents can stay in Busan and still connect with quality employment opportunities across the country," said Kim Ki-hwan, director of the city's digital economy office.


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com