The Korea Coast Guard is moving to reform its hierarchical organizational culture by establishing workplace councils.
The Korea Coast Guard headquarters held an inauguration ceremony for its workplace council on Sunday, the agency said. It is the fourth such council, following those at the Taean Coast Guard Station (April 22), the West Sea Regional Coast Guard (May 21), and the Gunsan Coast Guard Station (May 26). The initiative has been a key priority for Acting Commissioner Jang In-sik since taking office, with four councils launched in just over a month.
The move aligns the Coast Guard with similar organizations such as the police and fire services, where workplace councils have been spreading. With the headquarters now joining, a communication system linking the field and headquarters has been established.
Park Su-chang, a senior inspector in the Operations Support Division and the council's first chairman, said, "I will serve as a bridge so that colleagues' opinions are reflected in policy, transcending the barriers of rank and position." He added, "I will work to improve working conditions so that employees can take pride in their work."
The council will hold regular consultations with the agency head, representing approximately 600 headquarters employees. Key agenda items include improving the work environment, resolving grievances, reforming systems, and boosting morale. The council also plans to establish a foundation for participating in policy decisions on personnel management, disciplinary procedures, and employee housing assignments.
"As the Coast Guard's role in protecting public safety grows, a stable working environment must support it," Acting Commissioner Jang said, expressing his strong support for the initiative.
