ULSAN — The city of Ulsan announced Friday it has secured a total of 8.9 billion won ($6.3 million) to address employment disparities in its three flagship industries: shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and automotive parts.
The funding comprises 6.7 billion won from the central government, secured through the Ministry of Employment and Labor's "Regional Mutual Growth Job Support Program," and 2.2 billion won from the municipal budget.
The initiative will support asset-building mutual aid programs, workplace safety and welfare improvements, and employment assistance tailored to characteristics of each local industry.
The city will allocate 5.9 billion won secured through the competitive selection to the shipbuilding and petrochemical sectors.
In shipbuilding, an asset-building mutual aid program will be implemented for new hires at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' in-house subcontractors. The program involves joint contributions from the government, local authorities, prime contractors, and workers. Additional welfare measures include hiring safety managers, subsidizing dormitory rentals, and providing vacation allowances for subcontractor employees.
The petrochemical sector will launch a similar asset-building program for new employees at SK Geocentric's partner companies. Support will also include incentives for obtaining technical and safety certifications and improvements to on-site rest facilities.
For the automotive parts sector, Ulsan will deploy 3 billion won—comprising 2.4 billion won in state funds secured late last year plus 600 million won in city funds. The program targets businesses with 5 to 500 full-time employees and covers initial employment support, work experience opportunities for young people, and hiring of safety management personnel. Operations will begin in earnest following the selection of implementing agencies.
"Through this program, we will establish systematic support covering industry entry, workplace adaptation, long-term retention, and response to industrial transition," a city official said. "We will work to gradually address the dual structure between prime contractors and subcontractors, building a foundation for employment stability and mutual growth across our flagship industries."