Youth Platform Gwanak Cheongnyeoncheong to Open in February

Gwanak-gu, a Youth City, Introduces New and Diverse Youth Policies in 2023

Gwanak Youth Center Opens in February, Expands Eligibility for ‘Eutteum Gwanak Youth Savings Account Support’

‘Gang Gam-chan Interview Studio’ Operated for Job Seekers

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee), a 'Youth City' where the youth population accounts for 41% of the total population, is unveiling new and diverse youth policies in 2023.

First, the ‘Gwanak Youth Center (bird’s-eye view photo · 1759 Nambusunhwan-ro)’ will open in February. With a total project cost of 13 billion KRW, the Gwanak Youth Center will function as a ‘free and dynamic space for youth activities and a place for youth exchange communicating with the local community.’

The ‘Gwanak Youth Center’ is equipped with youth community spaces such as a youth caf?, multipurpose auditorium and seminar rooms, counseling rooms, shared offices, and startup incubation rooms. It will be used as a space for various customized counseling tailored to youth needs and as a hub for youth exchange. It will also serve as a comprehensive activity base supporting employment and entrepreneurship programs as well as youth cultural and artistic activities.

In particular, the district plans to form a ‘self-governing committee’ composed of local youth to support the formation of youth communities, operate a youth reporter group, and activate communication with youth through SNS, using the ‘Gwanak Youth Center’ as a base to promote policy projects that understand youth life and establish a detailed support system.

The target for the ‘Eutteum Gwanak Youth Savings Account Support,’ a campaign pledge of the district, will also increase. The district will raise the number of beneficiaries from 100 to 120 this year. This program supports youth who need lump sums for tuition, housing, etc., by providing a work incentive payment equal to 100% of their savings for up to three years, helping youth maintain a more stable life.

Meanwhile, to reduce the housing cost burden on youth and support stable housing, this year the district plans to recruit tenants for 107 units of SH Corporation’s demand-customized youth rental housing at four locations in Jowon-dong and Nangok-dong and operate community programs.

Additionally, as a new project, the ‘Gang Gam-chan Interview Studio’ will operate to support job seekers who feel burdened by interview preparation costs by providing makeup and ID photo shooting. The district will continue to promote employment mentoring for strengthening job competencies, 4th Industrial Revolution IT youth talent training, and VR interview experience centers to support youth employment.

Other initiatives include supporting youth club activities, revitalizing the youth cultural space ‘Sillim-dong Three Room,’ and designating ‘Youth Imagination Week’ to actively support youth in freely expressing their aspirations.

Park Jun-hee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, said, “We will do our best throughout the year to ensure youth satisfaction through the newly launched youth policies in Gwanak in 2023,” adding, “We will continue to build a ‘city where youth achieve their dreams’ with strong youth support policies.”

Seodaemun-gu Lifelong Learning Center Selected as Certified Institution for Educational Donation Career Experience

Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Seong-heon) announced on the 11th that the Lifelong Learning Center and Convergence Talent Education Center (49 Yeonhui-ro 36-gil) were recently selected as ‘Certified Institutions for Educational Donation Career Experience.’

The Ministry of Education and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry grant this certification to institutions providing free, high-quality career experience programs.

The certification is valid for three years, and the institution can use the certificate and certification mark issued by the Minister of Education for promotional purposes. Additionally, information about certified institutions is introduced on the Ministry of Education’s career experience website ‘Kkumgil.’

The ‘Seodaemun-gu Lifelong Learning Center and Convergence Talent Education Center’ aims to nurture convergence talents leading the 4th Industrial Revolution era.

The center is equipped with a 3D making room, digital drawing room, deep learning room, AI room, drone & autonomous driving room, and operates related educational courses for residents including elementary, middle, and high school students in the district.

Seodaemun-gu plans to expand 4th Industrial Revolution-related education beyond general schools to a wider range following this certification.

Nowon-gu Holds Winter Vacation Youth Science Camp

For Elementary School Grades 4-6, February 15-18, Camp at National Youth Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced it will operate the ‘Winter Vacation Nowon Youth Science Camp’ to help local youth develop scientific thinking skills.

The district planned this camp to provide diverse experiences for youth during the vacation. It will reduce the childcare burden on parents by offering a more affordable option than private educational institutions and is expected to satisfy the learning desires of local youth with scientific curiosity.

The camp will be held from February 15 to 18 for 3 nights and 4 days at the National Youth Space Center in Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. Participants can experience science programs utilizing the center’s excellent educational facilities.

Eligible participants are elementary school students in grades 4 to 6 (as of 2022) residing in Nowon-gu. The camp will recruit 90 participants: 60 general students and 30 socially disadvantaged students.

The participation fee for general students is 423,000 KRW, of which the district supports 232,000 KRW, so participants pay 191,000 KRW. For students from socially disadvantaged families such as basic livelihood security recipients, legally low-income households, and single-parent family support recipients, the district covers the full participation fee.

The National Youth Space Center, where the camp is held, is equipped with dormitories accommodating about 200 people, experience halls, laboratories, and an astronomical observatory. Participants can engage in unique activities rarely experienced, such as celestial observation and astronaut training equipment experiences, and receive science education programs combining play and lessons with professional instructors.

Since young students participate, thorough safety management is ensured. Group insurance is subscribed to prepare for unforeseen risks, and public officials and safety personnel accompany the group to help safely carry out the schedule. Rapid antigen tests will be conducted before admission, and COVID-19 prevention measures will be strictly enforced.

Those wishing to participate can apply online through the district office website by January 18. If applications exceed the number of spots, participants will be selected by computerized lottery, and the final participants will be announced on the 30th on the district office website.

Detailed recruitment information and camp schedules can be found in the notices section of the Nowon-gu Office website, and inquiries can be made by calling the Nowon-gu Office Education Support Division.

Meanwhile, the district operates an English camp in collaboration with Sahmyook University to help local students develop interest and confidence in English. Following the first camp that started in December last year, the second camp is currently underway.

The English camp allows participants to live entirely in English for 24 hours with native teachers, providing an effect similar to studying abroad without leaving Korea. Special activities such as cooking, sports, and games help participants naturally acquire English.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “I hope this camp helps Nowon’s youth develop cosmic imagination and grow into future science talents,” adding, “We will continue to operate various educational programs so that quality experiential learning is possible without having to seek expensive private educational institutions.”