The South Korean government has introduced a new system whereby candidates who have resided in a particular region for over 15 years will receive an additional 3% on their civil service exam scores. This initiative aims to address issues such as the concentration of services in the capital region, the decline of local populations, the worsening of youth employment rates, and the spread of drug use. Additionally, drug testing will be implemented for general civil service positions for the first time, alongside existing positions in law enforcement and firefighting.

In conjunction with the new points system, the government plans to increase the number of local recruitments, expanding the scope of positions that can accommodate these candidates. Starting next year, there will be changes in eligibility requirements, unifying criteria based on residency or school attendance in the region. The aim is to enhance the presence of local talent within the civil service, increasing targeted recruitment for national civil service positions from approximately 6% to 10% by 2028. It also seeks to ease barriers for hiring experienced personnel by recognizing new business-related experiences and adjusting qualification requirements.

Moreover, the policy reflects a comprehensive approach to address societal issues, including the introduction of drug tests for all newly recruited civil servants, ensuring public trust in the integrity of the civil service. This new approach indicates that the government is taking proactive measures to adapt to the changing economic landscape, aiming to revitalize local communities and bolster employment rates, especially among younger populations. With the initial implementation set for the upcoming year, this holistic strategy seeks to foster a more equitable and effective civil service recruitment process.