The South Korean government has officially launched a large-scale AI talent development policy aimed at training over one million people within the next five years. This initiative, called the ‘AI+Capability Up Project,’ targets all stages of the labor market, from youth entering the job market to middle-aged workers transitioning careers.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced the plan on December 18, 2024, during the 2nd Science and Technology Ministers’ Conference. It follows up on directives from a previous briefing by Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon and focuses on enhancing AI capabilities for all citizens at various stages of their working lives.
For those entering the labor market, basic AI understanding, job-specific applications, and solution development training will be provided. The K-Digital Training (KDT) program will be upgraded to train AI engineers, with participation allowances increasing from 316,000 KRW per month this year to 400,000 KRW in the Seoul metropolitan area, 600,000 KRW in non-metropolitan areas, and 800,000 KRW in depopulated regions starting next year.
During the active employment phase, customized AI training for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be expanded. Ten new AI Training Expansion Centers will be designated to train ‘occupational training specialists’ who combine domain knowledge with AI skills. In the career transition phase, AI education will be strengthened for middle-aged workers through 39 Polytechnic campuses nationwide, offering courses tailored to reemployment needs.