Paju City Launches Life-Integrated Youth Space 'D(MZ)-Class'

Promoting Coexistence with Young Entrepreneurs' Business Sites

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province is promoting coexistence with local young entrepreneurs through the 'Life-Integrated Youth Space' project.

Paju City is promoting coexistence with local young entrepreneurs through the 'Life-Integrated Youth Space' project. Photo by Paju City

According to Paju City on April 28, the city was selected in February for Gyeonggi Province's 'Life-Integrated Youth Space Operation' contest, securing a project budget of 10 million won (100% funded by the province). With this funding, the city launched the 'Paju Youth D(MZ)-Class' project, which supports youth activity-centered spaces by utilizing private-sector locations operated by young entrepreneurs in areas where young people live.

This year, a total of 12 youth business sites were selected based on accessibility and preference among young people. These sites are distributed across eight regions, including five areas with a youth population of over 10,000 (Munsan-eup, Unjeong 1~3-dong, Unjeong 5-dong). The selected businesses are: ▲Bakery and confectionery (Pudgy Bunny, Millmulsoi, Misil Sweets) ▲Health and fitness (Yoga Round, Joseph Movement, Yoga Go Woo, J Fencing Academy) ▲Crafts (Gallery Mori, Haven) ▲Art (Yeggum Art Studio Art Institute) ▲Other (Unjeong Barista Academy, Sum Hair Yadang Station Grace Branch). Each space plans and operates daily programs tailored to the interests of young people.

Paju City expects that by providing project funding and space usage fees to the 12 selected youth business sites, the project will not only promote interaction among young people but also contribute to the publicity of the businesses and the revitalization of the local economy.

In programs held in March, participants expressed high satisfaction, leaving comments such as "It was great to experience high-quality lectures" and "It was an enjoyable time."

The 'Paju Youth D(MZ)-Class' project, part of the Life-Integrated Youth Space initiative, is open to any young person aged 19 to 39 who lives, studies, or works in Paju City. Participation is possible after applying and being confirmed.

Paju Mayor Kim Kyoungil stated, "Through this project, I hope young people can enjoy leisure and gain vitality at local youth business sites, while also providing practical support to young entrepreneurs. We will continue our efforts to make Paju a city where young people are happy."