The government has decided to raise the starting salary of grade 9 civil servants to 3 million won per month by 2027. It will also supply rental housing preferentially to low-ranking civil servants without housing. Plans are in place to establish a system to expedite the appointment of middle management at grade 5.
The Ministry of Personnel Management announced on the 23rd the '2025 major business promotion plan,' which includes this information.
The major business promotion plan announced by the government on this day aims to boost the morale of low-ranking civil servants and cultivate talented individuals with expertise to foster a trustworthy civil service for the public.
First, the treatment of low-ranking, practical, and field civil servants will be improved. The plan is to raise the starting salary of grade 9 civil servants, including allowances, to 3 million won per month by 2027. This year, if one enters public service as a grade 9, the salary is about 2.69 million won.
Additionally, to alleviate the housing burden of civil servants without homes, there are plans to expand the supply of rental housing, focusing on regions such as Seoul and Sejong. By 2030, the supply of over 5,800 units of rental housing will be pursued, with priority allocation to low-ranking and newlywed civil servants.
A system will also be established to allow for quick promotion to middle management. Currently, to advance from grade 6 to grade 5 civil servant, one must go through exams or the regular promotion review committee, but an additional process will be created. A representative from the Personnel Management said, "We will establish a system that allows grade 6 civil servants to be promoted to grade 5 as quickly as possible, considering the characteristics of each department."
Moreover, measures to address social issues such as low birth rates and aging populations have also been proposed. The age limit for children eligible for parental leave will be expanded from 8 years old or below elementary school grade 2 to 12 years old or below elementary school grade 6, and parental leave benefits and family allowances will be increased. There are also considerations for utilizing retired civil servants through term positions and other means.
In addition, measures will also be put in place to enhance disciplinary standards and transparency to establish public office ethics. The statute of limitations for disciplinary actions related to stalking and distributing obscene materials will be extended from 3 years to a maximum of 10 years, and separate disciplinary standards will be set for deepfake sexual misconduct and aiding and abetting drunk driving. When high-ranking officials disclose their assets, private equity funds that were included in their deposits will be registered separately to disclose financial details.
Personnel Management Minister Yeon Won-jeong noted, "We will actively support all public officials to focus on their respective duties."