On the morning of September 18, 2025, a new chapter opened for moving workers in Ulsan, South Korea, as the city unveiled its third dedicated rest facility in the bustling southern district of Mugeo-dong. The event, attended by Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gwon and representatives from the city’s major labor unions, marked a significant step in the ongoing effort to support the well-being of workers whose jobs keep them perpetually on the move.
The launch of this multipurpose rest area—known locally as the 'Moving Workers’ Multipurpose Room'—comes after similar facilities were established in Dal-dong in 2022 and Jinjang-dong in 2023. According to Surprise News, the new site was created in direct response to the growing demand among mobile laborers in the southern district, a hub for delivery drivers, platform workers, and others whose workplaces are, by definition, wherever their work takes them.
“The Mugeo Moving Workers’ Rest Area is designed to help resolve labor grievances faced during late-night hours, extreme heat, or cold spells—times when moving workers are especially vulnerable,” Mayor Kim Doo-gwon stated at the opening ceremony, as reported by Yonhap News. He added, “It provides a space for rest and for improving the labor environment. In the future, we plan to expand this into a complex space offering labor consultation services, health support, and safety programs.”
The facility itself is the result of a collaborative effort between the city and the Ministry of Employment and Labor. In March 2025, Ulsan was selected for the ministry’s 'Workplace Improvement Support Project for the Labor Vulnerable,' securing a total project budget of 210 million won (approximately $160,000). Of this, 10 million won was allocated by the Southern District Labor Office specifically to rent the 178-square-meter space, according to News1. The rest was invested in outfitting the facility with a range of amenities tailored to the needs of the city’s mobile workforce.
Inside, visitors will find a communal lounge, a women-only rest area for added privacy and safety, body composition measurement equipment, computers, and phone charging stations. There’s even a large-screen TV, creating a welcoming environment for workers to unwind between shifts. The facility is open every day except Sundays and public holidays, from 1 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day—a schedule designed to accommodate those whose work often stretches late into the night or begins before dawn.
The rest area is open to a broad cross-section of Ulsan’s labor force: taxi drivers, delivery riders, quick-service couriers, substitute drivers, private tutors, meter readers, and more. What unites them is the absence of a fixed workplace and the constant movement their jobs demand. For these individuals, the chance to rest, recharge, and even seek advice or support is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity.
“The multipurpose room will help moving workers resolve labor grievances promptly and provide a space for labor union activities and rest,” Mayor Kim emphasized, as quoted in multiple local outlets. The city’s commitment to these workers reflects a broader recognition of the challenges faced by laborers in the so-called “gig economy,” where flexibility often comes at the cost of stability, safety, and access to basic facilities.
According to Yonhap News, the opening ceremony was a modest affair, with around 30 participants including union leaders and city officials. The program included a progress report, congratulatory remarks, and a tour of the new facility. Despite its relatively low-key nature, the event signaled a growing consensus among city leaders and labor advocates that mobile workers deserve the same dignity and support as those in more traditional employment settings.
The multipurpose room also stands as a testament to the power of local government and labor organizations working together. The facility is not just a place to rest—it doubles as a hub for labor union activities, offering a venue for meetings, advocacy, and community-building among workers who might otherwise feel isolated in their daily routines.
For women in the mobile workforce, the dedicated rest area is a particularly welcome addition. Safety and privacy concerns are a persistent issue for female workers in delivery and transport roles, and the new facility’s design reflects an awareness of these needs. The inclusion of body composition measurement equipment and health-related amenities also hints at a holistic approach to worker well-being—one that goes beyond mere physical rest to encompass overall health and safety.
Operating hours have been set to maximize accessibility: the doors open at 1 p.m. and remain available until 6 a.m. the next day, excluding Sundays and public holidays. This schedule is tailored to the realities of mobile work, which often defies the standard nine-to-five model. Whether it’s a delivery rider grabbing a quick break between dinner and late-night orders or a substitute driver waiting for the next call, the facility aims to be a reliable sanctuary at all hours.
The opening of the Mugeo-dong rest area is part of a larger movement across South Korea to address the needs of workers in non-standard forms of employment. As the gig economy continues to expand, cities like Ulsan are experimenting with ways to provide support and security to those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The city's approach—combining municipal funding, national support, and input from labor organizations—could serve as a model for other urban centers grappling with similar challenges.
Looking ahead, Mayor Kim and city officials have pledged to expand the facility’s offerings. Plans are already in motion to introduce labor counseling, health services, and safety training programs, transforming the rest area into a comprehensive support center for mobile workers. “We will continue to develop this space as a multi-functional hub for moving workers,” Kim promised during his remarks, as reported by Surprise News.
For now, the opening of the third Moving Workers’ Multipurpose Room in Ulsan stands as a concrete step toward greater equity and support for some of the city’s most essential—and often overlooked—workers. With its doors now open, the facility offers not just rest, but respect and recognition for those whose work keeps the city moving.
