South Jeolla Province Ranks First Nationwide in Employment Rate for Athletes with Disabilities at 32.6%

South Jeolla Province has achieved the highest employment rate for athletes with disabilities nationwide at 32.6%, surpassing the national average (17.8%) by 1.8 times, thereby supporting their successful career transitions. As of December 2025, 301 out of 881 registered athletes with disabilities in South Jeolla Province have secured employment in public and private companies.

On the 20th, South Jeolla Province held a partnership meeting for mutual growth in hiring athletes with disabilities in Naju Innovation City. This meeting was organized to share best practices in hiring athletes with disabilities and to listen to on-site challenges. Officials from Korea Electric Power Corporation, KPS, KDN, MCS, Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the Jeonnam branch of the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the Jeonnam Sports Council for the Disabled attended to discuss cooperation measures.

South Jeolla Province aims to employ 350 athletes and achieve an employment rate of 40% by 2026, by strengthening its customized employment system and expanding hiring in the private sector. Support measures also include assistance for athletes' settlement after retirement.