The Only Winner in Gwangju
Praised for Expanding Youth Participation
On December 19, Seogu District in Gwangju Metropolitan City was selected as the only outstanding institution in Gwangju in the '2025 Excellent Local Governments in the Self-Sufficiency Field' evaluation and received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award.
Seogu District was selected as the only outstanding local government in Gwangju in the '2025 Excellent Local Governments in the Self-Sufficiency Sector' evaluation on the 19th and received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award. Provided by Seogu District, Gwangju
According to Seogu District, the evaluation, organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, gave high marks for developing the self-sufficiency program beyond simple job provision into a sustainable self-sufficiency system by expanding youth participation and integrating eco-friendly business models.
Seogu District provided job opportunities to about 30 young people through self-sufficiency business groups such as franchise-style cafes and bakery cafes. These business groups proved the competitiveness of the self-sufficiency program, achieving approximately a 75% increase in sales compared to the previous year.
Additionally, through the 'Beautiful Eco Business Group', a self-sufficiency work program, the district supplied about 100,000 reusable cups to 19 local cafes and provided 230,000 reusable containers for local events. This contributed to the spread of eco-friendly culture and generated sales of approximately 170 million won, helping to establish a stable income base for participants in the self-sufficiency program.
Furthermore, Seogu District has taken the lead in public-private cooperation and the realization of social values through various projects, including a children's traffic safety umbrella project utilizing recycled resources, offering return gifts linked to the Hometown Love Donation Program, and operating a regular self-sufficiency market.
Notably, Seogu District secured funding of 350 million won through a public contest by the Korea Self-Sufficiency Welfare Development Institute, launched three new self-sufficiency business groups, and provided management and technical consulting. As a result, some of these groups achieved more than a 50% increase in sales, demonstrating qualitative growth as well.
Lee Ikang, head of Seogu District, stated, "This award is the result of achieving field-oriented self-sufficiency policy outcomes through public-private cooperation, eco-friendly values, and expanded youth participation. We will continue to expand effective self-sufficiency programs so that participants can achieve stable independence."
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