Korea Foundation Launches Second Call for Vulnerable Worker Support Programs

The Labor-Management Development Foundation (LMDF) in South Korea has announced its second call for applications for the “2026 Customized Programs for Vulnerable Workers.” Local private labor centers and non-profit organizations are invited to apply by April 17, 2026, to deliver tailored support programs aimed at improving the welfare and rights of marginalized workers.

This initiative expands on an earlier first call, which selected 24 organizations between February and March 2026. The second phase aims to meet additional on-site demand and address specific regional conditions, ensuring broader coverage for workers in areas often overlooked by traditional labor protection frameworks. The LMDF is particularly focused on reaching “vulnerable workers” who fall into labor blind spots, such as platform workers, freelancers, and those in special employment types, who may lack the same legal protections or benefits as standard employees.

Eligible organizations are expected to design and implement programs that consider their region’s unique industrial structure, labor market characteristics, and the distribution of vulnerable workers. The proposed programs can vary widely but should provide practical assistance. Examples include labor counseling and rights relief services utilizing experts like certified labor attorneys, lawyers, and tax accountants; educational workshops on labor rights awareness, industrial safety, and labor law; and participatory learning or communication programs designed to empower vulnerable worker communities.

Park Jong-pil, Secretary-General of the LMDF, emphasized the importance of diverse participation. “With varied working environments across regions, we hope more organizations will participate to uncover programs best suited for local needs,” he stated. “We will actively support these efforts, leveraging private expertise and on-the-ground understanding to ensure practical assistance reaches vulnerable workers.”

The LMDF anticipates that this second call will effectively bridge government policy with the realities of the labor market, strengthening a region-centric labor support system and enhancing the protection of vulnerable workers nationwide. Interested private labor centers and non-profit organizations can find detailed application guidelines and timelines on the official Labor-Management Development Foundation website.

Source: 고용노동부 — Original Article (Korean)