Health ministry to expand disability job program to 38,446 places in 2027

The health ministry said Thursday it will expand its disability employment program to 38,446 places in 2027, 2,600 more than this year, and introduce two new job types as it briefs local governments ahead of a recruitment drive that begins in November.

The 2027 figure is based on the government's draft budget and could change once the National Assembly finalizes spending, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said at a program briefing in Yongsan District, Seoul. Welfare-type jobs account for the largest share of the increase, rising by 1,300 places, with general-type positions up 700 and specialized-type positions up 600. The program, which began in 2007, provides public-sector work to unemployed registered people with disabilities aged 18 or older, with the aim of encouraging social participation and offering work experience and income support.

Under the 2027 proposal, full-time general positions will number 8,390 and pay 2.24 million won ($1,676) a month, while part-time general positions will total 4,775 at 1.12 million won ($838). Welfare-type participatory jobs, the single largest category at 21,994 places, carry monthly pay of 600,000 won ($449), and the special-education-linked, developmental-disability care assistant and visually impaired masseur dispatch categories each pay 1.4 million won ($1,048) a month.

Among the new roles, the specialized category adds 500 positions for monitoring accessibility facilities for people with disabilities. The welfare category gains a plant coordinator role and a career guidance mentor role, bringing its roster of job types to 52 from 50.

"Disability employment is more than a simple employment policy — it is a valuable channel that helps people with disabilities participate in society as agents of their own lives," said Cha Jeon-kyung, head of the ministry's disability policy bureau. He added that the ministry will keep listening closely to voices from the field and do its utmost to build an environment where people with disabilities can work stably and live independently in their communities.

The Thursday briefing at the Piece & Park Convention in Yongsan drew about 200 attendees, mostly local government officials responsible for the program, and 18 people received ministerial commendations for their contributions to disability employment.

Recruitment will run from November through December, conducted by each local government, and successful applicants will take part from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2027. Selection considers income level, the degree of disability and previous participation, and involves a review and interview; notices will be posted on local government and program operator websites, with schedules varying by region.