Gwangju City Implements 'Job and Housing' Policies to Help Youth Plan Their Future

Great Response to the Work Experience Dream Program with 7,700 Participants
Annual 2 Million Won Housing Lease Deposit Interest Support

Around 1,700 young job seekers gathered at the "Youth Work Experience Dream Meeting Day" event held for three days from the 14th to the 16th on the first floor citizen hall of the City Hall, hosted by Gwangju City. Photo by Gwangju City

Gwangju City's innovative youth support policies are gaining attention for going beyond simple assistance and helping young people with practical future planning.

According to Gwangju City on July 21, the "Gwangju Youth Work Experience Dream Program" and the "Customized Youth Housing Lease Deposit Interest Support" program, both launched for the first time in the country in 2017, have received an enthusiastic response.

The "Work Experience Dream" program, which provides opportunities for hands-on experience, offers unemployed young people a chance to gain diverse job experience at local businesses. To date, about 7,700 young people have participated, achieving remarkable results. Starting this year, the program has diversified work formats, greatly expanding the choices available to young participants.

One particularly notable aspect is the recruitment-linked incentive system. If participants are hired as regular employees after their work experience, companies receive incentives of up to 2.4 million won, thereby enhancing employment stability. In addition, a preferential point system has been established for young people from vulnerable groups.

Gwangju City's housing lease deposit interest support program significantly reduces the housing cost burden for young people. The program provides up to 2 million won per year in loan interest support for up to four years, and young people can borrow up to 100 million won at low interest rates.

Starting this year, the eligibility criteria have been further expanded to include new and renewed lease contracts, as well as victims of jeonse fraud. The program targets young people aged 19 to 39, and support is available based on income criteria.

Kim Kisuk, Director of Education and Youth at Gwangju City, stated, "We will continue to implement sustainable policies so that young people can put down roots in Gwangju," adding, "Programs such as the 'Gwangju Youth Work Experience Dream Program' and the 'Customized Youth Housing Lease Deposit Interest Support' are being recognized as new exemplary models of youth policy."