Support for English and Chinese Language and Certification Exam Fees such as TOEIC and TOEFL
Up to 100,000 KRW per person for 400 unemployed youth aged 19 to 39 residing in Nowon-gu
Applications accepted online on a first-come, first-served basis from April 10 through the district office website
Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will promote the "Language and Certification Exam Fee Support Project" to strengthen the employment competitiveness of unemployed youth and reduce their economic burden.
According to the recent data from the National Statistical Portal (KOSIS) of Statistics Korea, the number of unemployed youth aged 15 to 29 in February this year was 269,000, an increase of 2% (5,000 people) compared to the same month last year. This marks the first increase in four years. Additionally, the economically inactive youth population reached 4,209,000, an increase of 15,000 from the previous year. Notably, 504,000 youth responded that they are "just resting," marking the highest number since statistics began in 2003.
In response to the worsening employment and decreasing economic activity trends among youth shown in the Statistics Korea data, the district is implementing the "Certification Exam Fee Support Project" to practically support job-seeking activities of unemployed youth. This aims to provide tangible assistance to youth hesitant to obtain certifications due to economic burdens, thereby strengthening their employment competitiveness and securing more job opportunities.
The support targets unemployed youth aged 19 to 39 (born between 1986 and 2006) who have been residents of Nowon-gu as of January 1, 2025. Those currently participating in government jobs such as public work, or short-term workers insured under employment insurance for less than three months or working 30 hours or less per week, are also eligible to apply as of the application date.
Eligible exams include foreign language tests such as English (TOEIC, TOEFL, OPIc, IELTS, etc.), Chinese (HSK), Japanese (JLPT), Korean History Proficiency Test, national technical and professional certification exams, and nationally accredited private certification exams. However, automobile driver's license exams are excluded. Support is available only for exams taken in 2025, and applicants must not have received duplicate support from Nowon-gu or other local governments.
The application periods are from April 10 to July 9 for the first half of the year, and from August 1 to October 31 for the second half. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and may close early if the budget is exhausted. The total support scale is 400 people (200 for each half), with a maximum support amount of 100,000 KRW per person per year. One application per person is allowed, but multiple exam fees can be combined in a single application.
Applications are submitted online through the Nowon-gu Office website. Required documents include a resident registration abstract, health insurance qualification certificate, proof of business registration status, verification of exam participation (exam confirmation or score report), and payment receipt for the exam fee. Additional documents such as a labor contract may be required for short-term workers.
Selected youth will receive the support via Nowon Love Gift Certificates (Seoul Pay) through the Seoul Pay Plus app, which can be used until December 31, 2025.
Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, stated, "The increase in youth unemployment and economically inactive population is an important issue that our society must solve together. I hope this support project will provide practical help to youth preparing for employment and serve as a stepping stone for their challenges."
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