**Expansion of Flexible Work and Vacation Culture**
**Dramatic Turnaround in Work Area from 15th to 1st Place**
**Largest Improvement Nationwide Compared to Previous Year**
**Expansion of Consulting for SMEs in Industrial Complexes**
Seoul Economic Daily
‘Busan has once again risen to the top tier as a city where work and life are in harmony. According to Busan City on the 5th, in the “2024 Work-Life Balance Index” released by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Busan ranked second nationwide and first among metropolitan and special cities, solidifying its image as a leading city in work-life balance.’
‘The Work-Life Balance Index is an evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, commissioned to the Korean Women’s Development Institute, which analyzes five areas—work and life, systems, local government interest, bonus points, etc.—across 25 indicators for 17 metropolitan local governments nationwide. This index has been published annually since its first release in 2018. Busan has consistently maintained a ranking between 1st and 3rd place since the implementation of the evaluation system but dipped into mid-tier rankings in 2024. However, it has returned to top rankings in this latest evaluation.’
‘As of 2024, Busan’s overall score in work-life balance reached 73 points, second only to South Jeolla Province, with Seoul trailing closely at 72.8 points. Notably, this score marks a 7.7-point increase over the previous year, the largest improvement nationwide. Back in 2017, Busan scored only 39.5 points, but has shown steady improvement with structural enhancements.’
‘A major factor in this rank rebound is the change in working conditions in corporate environments. There has been a rapid expansion in the adoption and actual usage of flexible working systems, along with a significant improvement in vacation usage culture. As a result of these changes, Busan leaped from 15th to 1st in the work area evaluation. This analysis suggests that creating structures that function in practice, beyond merely introducing new systems, led to high commendations.’
‘In the areas of life, systems, and local government interest, Busan also scored above average, demonstrating overall balanced achievements. Particularly in the government-certified home service activation category, the city received full scores in the bonus points segment due to its legislation of relevant ordinances, support program operations, and promotional successes.’
‘Busan City has consistently strengthened its institutional framework and on-ground policies. Following the establishment of support ordinances for work-life balance in 2018, it set up dedicated organizations and support centers for administrative backing. Last year, the city focused on embedding the system, particularly in small businesses, by offering tailored consulting, workplace education, support for creating family-friendly workplace cultures, recognizing excellent companies, and running campaigns. The yearly “Work-Life Balance Week,” aimed at enhancing public engagement, has become a cornerstone of policy proliferation.’
‘Busan City plans to further expand briefings in industrial complexes densely populated with SMEs this year to directly visit business sites, providing guidance on the system and strengthening links with government support programs. The city also aims to increase consulting for expanding family-friendly certified companies and continually improve the benefits provided to certified companies.’
‘Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “We will continue to strive for policy and system improvements that are tangible to businesses and citizens, aiming to realize a happy city with work-life balance.”’