1. Study Objectives and Method

￮ This study aims to examine the working conditions of cultural intermediaries operating in Jeollabuk-do to reveal strategies for improving their working environment and status as a professional occupational group. We explore changes in the working conditions of cultural intermediaries through a comparative analysis of data from surveys on the working conditions of cultural facility employees conducted in 2007 and 2012

￮ A total of 203 cultural intermediaries working in cultural institutions, facilities, subcontracting agencies, and private organizations located in Jeollabuk-do were surveyed. Each respondent's working conditions were assessed using the labor conditions survey tools provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

2. Conclusion and Policy Suggestion

❚ Key Findings from the Survey on Labor Conditions

￮ The average monthly salary in Jeollabuk-do increased by 52.5% from 2012 to 2023. However, total working hours have decreased over time. 

This trend is consistent with studies on cultural intermediaries working at community cultural centers (formerly known as "Culture Houses"), which had the highestworking hours in 2007 and 2012. In the past, they worked close to the legal maximum monthly working hours of 208; however, by 2023, average monthly working hours had decreased to a level similar to other occupations.

￮ The 2012 survey revealed a gender-based wage disparity, with men earning KRW 195,342 more on average than women under the same working conditions. However, no statistically significant gender-based wage disparity was found in the 2023 survey. The 2012 survey found wage differences based on educational background, which were interpreted as an indicator of professionalism. However, the 2023 survey found no such differences

￮ The 2023 survey showed that the total monthly salary of cultural intermediaries in Jeollabuk-do was similar to that of others with similar occupations in the same area. They earned more than social welfare-related workers and approximately the same sports and recreation-related professionals. There was a wage difference of approximately KRW 80,000 compared to archivists, librarians, and record managers. However, the total working hours of cultural intermediaries remained relatively high between 2012 and 2023.

❚ Directions and Challenges for Improving the Working Environment

￮This research proposes two main directions for improving the working environment of cultural intermediaries, based on a comprehensive analysis of the results of the labor conditions survey, employee interviews, and literature review. The first is establishing professional identity and creating an environment for professional work. This includes specific tasks such as advocating for the inclusion of cultural intermediary occupations in the Korean Standard Industrial Classification and establishing a system for cultural roles from an administrative standpoint, allowing for the formal recognition and placement of cultural intermediaries within cultural institutions and organizations. Another includes developing a system to certify and validate the experience and expertise of cultural intermediaries in their field and emphasizing the need for amending laws and regulations to support these changes.

￮ The second is realizing fair compensation and enhancing welfare. This involves specific tasks, including proposing the establishment of standardized compensation systems based on the type of cultural intermediary, similar to the recommendation of standard compensation guidelines for social welfare professionals. The present study also suggests developing regional employment and contract guidelines tailored to the specific needs of cultural intermediaries. It also suggests transitioning from comprehensive support systems to itemized support in areas like remuneration and developing welfare programs to prevent inequality. In particular, this study suggests support measures, such as overseas training and professional development support, with a focus on enhancing the expertise of cultural intermediaries

● DOWNLOAD REPORT (PDF, Korean)​​​​