Youth Startup Support Center, Youth Rental Housing
Introduction of Youth Allowance, etc.
Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam Province, established the Population Education Division in 2019, recognizing that population issues would become a major challenge for local governments following the inauguration of County Governor Gu In-mo in the 7th term of the civilian administration. In 2021, an organizational restructuring was carried out to create a dedicated youth policy team within the Population Education Division.
The Youth Policy Team enacted the "Basic Youth Ordinance," established a five-year (2020?2024) basic youth policy plan, and formed various youth organizations such as the Youth Policy Committee and Youth Network. They hold youth forums and weekly events created directly by young people, implementing policies that resonate with the youth.
Additionally, with the launch of the 8th term civilian administration, three major youth pledges were confirmed, introducing the Youth Startup Support Center, youth rental housing, and youth allowances. In 2023, Geochang-gun became the first and only local government in the province to implement the 'Youth Activity Point System' and the Geochang-style youth allowance support project called 'Youth Leap Fund.'
Preventing local extinction hinges on young people settling in the area, and Geochang-gun is doing its utmost to be designated as a youth-friendly city, which is the driving force behind this effort.
As of the end of September this year, the youth population in Geochang-gun stands at 13,738, with a youth ratio of 22.99%, the highest among counties in Gyeongnam Province. Reflecting this reputation, the county is implementing various youth policies. Local youth requested spaces where they could freely gather, and in response, the first youth hub space, 'Geochang Youth Sai,' was opened in July last year.
Youth Day is a statutory commemorative day designated as the third Saturday of September each year, and Geochang-gun has been holding events annually since 2021.
This year, the event was held in the Youth Zone during the Geochang Hanmadang Festival, attracting many residents. The Youth Network organized the event, with participation from youth groups Natgarim and the Youth Division of the Right Living Movement.
In the 8th term civilian administration, various support policies are being implemented to make Geochang a better place for youth to live. First, to support youth independence, the Geochang-style youth allowance 'Youth Leap Fund' and the Youth Stepping Stone Savings Account project are being promoted.
Now in its second year, the Geochang-style youth allowance was first implemented by Geochang-gun in Gyeongnam Province. This year, 100 recipients were selected, each receiving 2 million KRW via prepaid cards and Zero Pay, which helped revitalize the local economy and eased the financial burden on young people.
To support local youth in marriage and settlement, 2 million KRW per year is provided for three years, totaling 6 million KRW, the highest amount in the province. This financial aid is a blessing for newlyweds who face many expenses related to marriage.
Youth policies are gradually showing results. In May, Geochang-gun was selected in the '2024 Regional Specialized Youth Project' competition, securing a project budget of 25 million KRW for the 'Youth Happy Geochang Vitality UP Project.'
The Regional Specialized Youth Project supports the development and implementation of programs tailored to the needs and characteristics of local youth. Geochang-gun was the only county in Gyeongnam Province to be selected.
Furthermore, in September, Geochang-gun received the Communication Award at the '2024 Youth-Friendly Legislative Awards' hosted by Youth and Future, a corporation under the National Assembly Secretariat. This award recognizes local governments that have excelled in legislation, communication, and efforts to improve the quality of life for youth. Following awards in the policy category in 2022 and 2023, Geochang-gun was honored for communication this year, marking three consecutive years as an outstanding local government.
Going forward, investments will focus on the most critical areas for youth settlement: jobs and housing. Although Geochang is a rural area where attracting large corporations is difficult, it is making significant efforts to create jobs by developing general industrial complexes and attracting elevator-related companies. Additionally, to address employment issues from a new perspective, the county plans to build a 'Youth Startup Support Center' to support youth entrepreneurship.
The 'Youth Startup Support Center' will be a six-story building with an investment of 6.75 billion KRW, scheduled for completion by 2026. Located in Sangnim-ri, Geochang-eup, the city center, it offers high accessibility. Inside, it will feature shared kitchens, shared offices, and startup preparation spaces, providing support for youth preparing to start businesses and those facing difficulties after launching.
To give hope to young people who have given up on owning a home due to rapid housing price increases and wage disparities, Geochang-gun plans to build 100 housing units, including youth rental housing, youth return-to-farming homes, customized youth housing, and integrated public rental housing, supporting stable settlement for youth.
The customized youth rental housing project, a pledge of the 8th term civilian administration, involves an investment of 5.2 billion KRW to build two multi-family housing buildings with 19 units in the Kimcheon-ri area of Geochang-eup.
Notably, the project received approval for the business plan from Gyeongnam Province (delegated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) under the "Special Act on Public Housing," securing 550 million KRW from the public housing fund, reducing county expenses. Construction began in September and is progressing toward completion in 2025.
Governor Gu In-mo stated, "We will devote all our efforts until the day Geochang becomes the first city in Gyeongnam Province to see population growth, a city where youth gather, with young people’s employment and housing concerns resolved, leading to marriage and childbirth."
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