Jeongeup City has been recognized for its tailored job creation efforts for vulnerable populations and received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare. Following the selection of the Jeongeup Regional Activity Center as an excellent organization in September, this time, Jeongeup City was selected as an outstanding local government, achieving consecutive successes in the field of self-reliance.

The evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare targeted nationwide metropolitan and local governments, comprehensively assessing 12 indicators in four areas: ▲ activation of self-reliant labor ▲ support for asset formation projects ▲ activation of self-reliance funds and self-reliant enterprises ▲ operation of self-reliance projects.

Jeongeup City received high scores for discovering job resources linked to public offices and facilities and operating projects that leverage the local characteristics. Key examples include the factory-type 'Shinhwa Laundry Team' that handles large-scale laundry, and the 'Cafe Bonne Team' located in the Korea Electric Power Corporation's Human Resources Development Institute and the Wonhyo Agricultural Cooperative's Hanaro Mart. Additionally, through the operation of the 'Preprocessing Team' that utilizes the raw materials of Jeongeup's specialty, Ssanghwa Tea, the city was evaluated for promoting local economic revitalization and creating welfare jobs.

Infrastructure support also garnered attention. The city remodeled the old Administrative Welfare Center building in connection with urban regeneration projects, providing it as a standalone facility for the Jeongeup Regional Activity Center and supporting the enhancement of the capabilities of self-reliant labor teams and self-reliant enterprises by injecting self-reliance funds.

Jeongeup Mayor Lee Hak-soo stated, “As a result of supporting the self-reliance of vulnerable populations through collaboration between the public and private sectors,” and added, “We will further strengthen self-reliance projects so that low-income individuals can escape poverty through employment.”