CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

This study empirically examines the labor market structure of the older population in Chungcheongbuk-do, a province experiencing rapid population 

aging, and proposes policy directions tailored to regional conditions through comparative analysis of domestic and international practices. By 2050, 

the share of older adults in Chungcheongbuk-do is projected to reach 42.7%, surpassing the national average and raising concerns over shrinking 

labor supply and deepening skill mismatches across industries. In this demographic context, expanding the economic participation of older workers is becoming essential for sustaining the regional economy.

The analysis shows that the employment rate of older adults in the province is relatively high compared to the national average. As of 2024, the 

employment rate for those aged 60 and above was 53.6%, and 46.9% for those aged 65 and above—both considerably higher than national levels. 

However, these high figures are largely driven by the province’s high concentration of non-wage employment in agriculture and self-employment, as 

well as active participation in public employment programs. Thus, they do not necessarily reflect the quality of jobs available to older workers. Indeed, employment among the elderly is heavily concentrated in low-wage, low-skill, and manual labor positions.

Industrial and occupational analyses reveal a similarly skewed structure. While traditional agriculture and forestry remain significant, older-worker 

employment has been increasing in sectors such as manufacturing and construction. Growth is also evident among older managers, professionals, 

and clerical workers. Nevertheless, the share of older workers in simple labor occupations has not declined, indicating a persistent dual structure 

within the elderly labor force. This outcome is attributed to rapid technological change outpacing the development of reskilling, upskilling, and career-

transition support systems for aging workers.

International policy comparisons highlight effective mechanisms for sustaining and expanding older-worker employment: Japan’s continued 

employment system, the U.S. SCSEP’s community-based job training, and Australia’s wage-subsidy incentives all demonstrate the importance of 

institutionalized job retention tools, age-friendly job design, and employer-oriented incentives. Other Korean regions are also expanding private-

sector engagement through wage subsidies, mid-career transition centers, and related programs.

By contrast, Chungcheongbuk-do has strengths in region-specific public employment models—such as “urban workers,” “urban farmers,” and 

meal-support employment programs—but faces structural limitations in private-sector incentives, reskilling systems, and access to policy information.

To build a sustainable labor market in an ultra-aged society, the province must maintain the safety-net function of public jobs while shifting its focus toward quality-driven employment. This includes expanding private-sector employment incentives, establishing industry-tailored reskilling systems, 

standardizing job and safety guidelines, and developing an integrated employment support platform. 

Such strategies are expected to enhance the economic independence of older adults while stabilizing the regional labor force base.