Seoul Metropolitan Government's comprehensive support platform 'Seoul Freelancer On'

Contract value grows sevenfold from end of last year to 811 million won

Membership tops 3,000; career management and free consultations also available

[Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government]
[Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government]

A Seoul Metropolitan Government escrow service designed to protect freelancers from unpaid fees has logged nearly 1,000 contracts, with total contract value surpassing 800 million won.

Since its pilot launch in April last year, cumulative contract value has grown more than sevenfold from the end of last year, and membership has exceeded 3,000.

As of Oct. 6, the secure payment service on "Seoul Freelancer On" — the city's comprehensive freelancer support platform — had recorded 994 contracts totaling 811 million won ($601,000), the Seoul Metropolitan Government said. The figures mark roughly 18 months of results since the service's pilot launch in April last year.

Contract value has risen 7.1 times from 114 million won at the end of last year, while membership grew 2.6 times over the same period, from 1,183 to 3,085.

The secure payment service works by having clients deposit contract fees in advance with a partner financial institution, with funds released to the freelancer upon completion of the work. It was the first such service introduced by a public institution in South Korea, aimed at preventing losses from unpaid or delayed payments.

In late January, the city expanded the service into the full-featured "Seoul Freelancer On" platform, adding career management, dispute consultation and job-listing functions. Freelancers can obtain official records of their completed projects through the platform to document their work history. They can also receive free expert consultations on contract review, outstanding payment recovery, and labor, tax and copyright matters.

In May, the city upgraded its dispute consultation service into a broader "freelancer support consulting" program and added tax advisory services. Lawyers, labor attorneys and tax accountants provide consultations and help facilitate settlements between disputing parties, with referrals to litigation support when needed.

To mark the milestone of surpassing 3,000 members, the city will hold a promotional event from Monday through Nov. 20, targeting new members and users of the secure payment service. A total of 354 participants will receive Seoul Love gift certificates and beverage vouchers.

"Seoul Freelancer On is a solid safety net that eases freelancers' anxiety over payment and links clients to financial and business benefits, helping both sides transact with confidence," said Park Kyung-hwan, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Livelihood and Labor Bureau.


ken@heraldcorp.com