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Youth Job Leap Incentive (청년일자리도약장려금) – Retention Incentive for Young People Working Outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area: How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

KRW 4.8-7.2 million over 2 years for working at a non-metropolitan company for 6 months or more (varies by region)

This page is a translation of the Korean original and is for reference only. The official Korean guidance is the authoritative source for amounts and conditions, so be sure to confirm on the official website before applying. View Korean original (한국어)

Benefit: General non-metropolitan areas up to KRW 4.8 million, preferential support areas up to KRW 6 million, special support areas up to KRW 7.2 million (paid in installments at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of service). Separately, companies receive up to KRW 7.2 million per young person per year (in the Seoul metropolitan area, only companies hiring youth facing employment difficulties).
Who is eligible: Ages 15-34 on the hiring date, regular employees (28 or more hours per week, average monthly pay of KRW 4.5 million or less), employed at priority-support companies with 5 or more employees or mid-sized companies in non-metropolitan industrial complexes and working 6 months or more.
When to apply: Companies apply to participate on Work24 (고용24) before hiring in 2026 (exceptions possible within 3 months after hiring). Claim after meeting the service period
How to apply: Work24 (고용24, www.work24.go.kr) or 1350. Check the program operating guidelines for the young person's application procedure
Important notes: Limited to 2026 hires. Expires if the payment application deadline passes. Clawed back if the company violates requirements such as dismissal or recommended resignation
Note: No direct incentive for young people employed in the Seoul metropolitan area (the 2027 budget proposal plans a new metropolitan retention bonus of up to KRW 4.8 million over 2 years and an increase to KRW 14.4-18 million for non-metropolitan areas – requires National Assembly approval).

Go to the official guide →

Based on official sources as of 2026년 10월. Amounts and requirements may change, so please confirm with the official guide before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Youth Job Leap Incentive (청년일자리도약장려금) – Retention Incentive for Young People Working Outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area: who can receive it?

Ages 15-34 on the hiring date, regular employees (28 or more hours per week, average monthly pay of KRW 4.5 million or less), employed at priority-support companies with 5 or more employees or mid-sized companies in non-metropolitan industrial complexes and working 6 months or more.

Youth Job Leap Incentive (청년일자리도약장려금) – Retention Incentive for Young People Working Outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area: how do I apply?

Work24 (고용24, www.work24.go.kr) or 1350. Check the program operating guidelines for the young person's application procedure

Youth Job Leap Incentive (청년일자리도약장려금) – Retention Incentive for Young People Working Outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area: how much will I receive?

General non-metropolitan areas up to KRW 4.8 million, preferential support areas up to KRW 6 million, special support areas up to KRW 7.2 million (paid in installments at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of service). Separately, companies receive up to KRW 7.2 million per young person per year (in the Seoul metropolitan area, only companies hiring youth facing employment difficulties).

Youth Job Leap Incentive (청년일자리도약장려금) – Retention Incentive for Young People Working Outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area: when can I apply?

Companies apply to participate on Work24 (고용24) before hiring in 2026 (exceptions possible within 3 months after hiring). Claim after meeting the service period