National debate is underway over the balance between public service efficiency and workers’ right to rest. (Yonhap)
DAEGU, March 26 (Korea Bizwire) — A growing number of South Korean local governments are implementing a “lunchtime closure” policy at public offices, sparking a national debate over the balance between public service efficiency and workers’ right to rest.
Under the system, civil service counters close entirely from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., giving staff uninterrupted time for meals and rest without rotating shifts. Traditionally, public offices have staggered lunch breaks to maintain uninterrupted service for citizens.
The policy, first introduced in 2017 by Goseong County in South Gyeongsang Province, has since expanded to over 100 municipalities across the country, including Busan, Ulsan, Pohang, Andong, Mokpo, and Suncheon.
In Daegu, several districts, including Dalseo and Jung-gu, began pilot programs in December 2024, with others such as Suseong, Nam-gu, and Dalseong County joining early this year. So far, officials report no significant disruption or public backlash.
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This marks a shift from earlier resistance. Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo had previously delayed implementation, arguing that “civil servants exist to serve the people.”
A district office official noted that even with the lunchtime pause, service demand has not surged uncontrollably. “We remain flexible when needed,” the official said. The Daegu District Mayors’ Council is set to discuss expanding the policy on March 26, while the public workers’ union plans to stage a demonstration calling for its full adoption.
Efforts to formalize the policy through legislation are also gaining momentum. On March 21, Daegu’s Jung-gu council passed a local ordinance allowing for designated lunchtime breaks, following a similar move by Buk-gu.
While many citizens express understanding — “civil servants are people, too,” some say — others worry about reduced service availability during their own limited free time.
The union counters that rotating lunch shifts actually diminish service quality, leaving only half the staff available after noon, leading to slower processing and lower morale. Safety concerns have also been raised, particularly at administrative welfare centers that lack security staff.
“A number of younger employees are afraid of facing verbal or physical abuse from aggressive complainants during lunch hours when staffing is thin,” one district official said.
Elsewhere, implementation has proceeded relatively smoothly. In Gwangju, where five district offices adopted the system in 2021, unmanned kiosks were installed to handle basic services during the break. “Public understanding was high, and lunchtime demand was low,” said Ahn Sung-hwan, head of the local public workers’ union in Gwangju’s Dong-gu district.
However, in Seoul, where administrative demand remains high throughout the day, adoption remains unlikely for now. “Lunchtime is our busiest hour,” a city district official said, emphasizing the need for broader social consensus before proceeding.
As the debate continues, municipalities across the country are weighing regional needs, public expectations, and workplace rights in reimagining the rhythm of public service in 2025 — and possibly beyond into 2026.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
