The Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching targeted measures to support citizens struggling amid the economic downturn, including expanded financial assistance for small business owners, business closure consulting, and health checkup subsidies for delivery workers. The initiative aims to deliver tangible recovery by providing comprehensive support to vulnerable groups ranging from self-employed individuals to local commercial districts and precarious workers.
Seoul announced its "2026 Livelihood Economy Vitality Plus" comprehensive plan on the 9th. The city will invest a total of 2.79 trillion won to revitalize four key groups: small business owners, local commercial districts, consumers, and vulnerable workers. Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "Some talk about 'KOSPI reaching 5,000,' but the reality on the ground is completely different. The city can only grow when livelihoods recover and stabilize."
The city will first concentrate financial support and consulting on small business owners, who are hit first by the triple burden of high interest rates, high prices, and a weak won. Seoul will provide 2.7 trillion won in SME development funds and expand its "Ansim Account" program—a dedicated overdraft facility for the self-employed—from 400 billion won to 500 billion won. For self-employed borrowers with high-interest loans, the repayment period for the "Hope Together Fund" refinancing program will be extended to seven years to reduce monthly payment burdens.
Small business owners who must close their businesses will receive a package of support covering administrative procedures, cost subsidies, and career transition training. Starting this year, recipients can receive combined support from Seoul and the central government of up to 9 million won. The city will also launch the "Digital Capability Level-Up 1000 Project" to provide training and transition costs of up to 3 million won for middle-aged small business owners lacking digital skills.
For local commercial districts, the city will select four additional areas through its "Local Brand Commercial District Development Project," nurturing a total of 10 districts into regional destinations. Three markets, including Tongin Market and Cheongnyangni General Market, will be transformed into "design innovation markets" that encourage visitors to stay longer. The city will also enhance its AI-based commercial district analysis system to proactively support struggling areas.
The city is also working to stabilize daily living costs. It will expand its "Fair Price Shops" program to 2,500 establishments and partner with large supermarkets for discount events when agricultural prices spike. Starting next month, the Fair Trade Comprehensive Consultation Center will be reorganized and expanded into the "Livelihood Economy Safety Center," offering one-stop services from consumer damage consultations to legal support.
Support for vulnerable workers will also be strengthened. The freelancer payment protection system will be reorganized as "Seoul Freelancer On" to provide performance management and job information, while health checkups will be expanded for delivery and domestic workers. The city plans to increase industrial safety consulting and "Safety and Health Guardian" inspections for workplaces with fewer than 50 employees.
Mayor Oh said, "We will firmly support the weakest links that are first to shake and collapse due to 'K-shaped polarization.' We will do everything possible to sound the signal of livelihood economic recovery until we create changes that citizens can feel in their daily lives."