Ceremony and symposium to be held alongside public participation events at Seoul Plaza

Week aims to build public awareness of senior employment policy

Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyeong (third from left) visits a senior employment worksite operating indoors during a heat wave at Hallo Market Second Spring in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 7. [Ministry of Health and Welfare]
Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyeong (third from left) visits a senior employment worksite operating indoors during a heat wave at Hallo Market Second Spring in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 7. [Ministry of Health and Welfare]

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said it will hold the 2026 Senior Employment Week from Monday through Friday to broaden public awareness and support for its senior employment programs, kicking off with an opening ceremony Monday.

Events during the week include awards for outstanding and meritorious senior employment organizations, a senior employment policy symposium, and the operation of both in-person and online public participation venues.

The opening ceremony and policy symposium will be held Monday, followed by an in-person public participation event — the Noikjjang Festival — at Seoul Plaza on Monday and Tuesday. An online public participation venue will run through Friday.

At the opening ceremony Monday, held under the theme "The Joy of Working, Proud Elders, Vibrant Korea," the ministry will present ministerial commendations to 22 individuals and 18 organizations and companies that have contributed to senior employment programs, along with ministerial awards for outstanding local governments, implementing organizations and participating companies.

This year's outstanding implementing organizations include the Gyeongsan Senior Club's "Happy Nono Care" program, the Yeongju Senior Club's "Child Development Support" program, and the Goyang Senior Club's "Grandmother and Sewing Machine" program.

The policy symposium will focus on "Social Policy Transition and the New Role of Senior Employment," with in-depth discussions on the future direction of senior employment policy amid demographic and social structural changes.

The public participation venue will host the Noikjjang Festival, where members of the public can see and experience senior employment programs firsthand.

At Seoul Plaza, visitors can freely explore a themed exhibition hall showcasing various senior employment cases, a special exhibition hall, a products hall displaying and selling goods made through senior employment programs, and an information hall offering employment counseling and program details. Online participants can also take part in a range of events.

First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Hyeon Su-yeop said senior employment "is a precious opportunity that gives older adults not only income security but also the fulfillment of social participation, prevention of isolation, and improved health." He added that programs such as elder-to-elder care, child development support and resource recycling activities "are deeply meaningful in that they warmly fill the gaps in our society's welfare."

The government plans to expand senior employment positions from 1.15 million this year to 1.18 million next year.


thlee@heraldcorp.com