Ulleungdo's Experiment as an 'Island Where Youth Stay'... Youth Policy Basic Plan Established and Preparations Underway for Next Year

New 'Ulleung-Style Youth Policies'
Improving Settlement Conditions for Young People and Revitalizing the Local Economy Expected

Holding on to departing youth and calling back those who wish to return.

On December 18, Ulleung County in North Gyeongsang Province finalized the '1st Ulleung County Basic Plan for Youth Policy' at the 2nd Ulleung County Youth Policy Committee meeting, attended by Committee Chair Nam Geon and eight policy committee members.

Establishment of Basic Plan for Youth Policy in Ulleung County. Provided by Ulleung County

This review session served to lay the foundation and framework for Ulleung County’s upcoming youth policies. The core contents of the support policies were explained, and the future direction of youth policy initiatives was discussed in depth.

Youth policy committee members expressed their appreciation for the increase in beneficiaries following the upward adjustment of the youth age range. They requested the creation of a communication forum through a large-scale youth debate, the development of a youth policy network, and efforts to create jobs in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.

They also pledged to further activate the Youth Policy Committee to help discover a wider range of policies.

The 1st Ulleung County Basic Plan for Youth Policy, established for the first time, is a mid- to long-term plan (2026-2030) formulated every five years in accordance with Article 5 of the Ulleung County Youth Support Ordinance. To directly hear the voices of local youth, the county conducted surveys, face-to-face expert interviews, and collected opinions from the youth participation group, reflecting these diverse perspectives in the policy.

The survey results showed that young people are facing various difficulties, such as a lack of housing, high housing costs, and inconveniences with parking and public transportation. They expressed a desire for jobs with a good work-life balance and stable living environments, and there was a strong consensus on the need for youth-tailored support that is tangible on Ulleungdo.

Reflecting these needs, the county plans to focus on building a virtuous cycle where youth can settle stably in Ulleung, realize their potential, and participate proactively. Under the three main goals of 'Ulleung to Stay, Ulleung to Grow, Ulleung Together,' the county will implement practical policy support for youth in various areas, including housing, employment, consumption, and culture.

In particular, in May 2025, the Ulleung County Youth Basic Ordinance will be revised to establish grounds for youth support tailored to Ulleungdo’s characteristics. In 2026, new initiatives will include an island youth housing support project, a startup space support project for Ulleung youth, and a youth entrepreneurship development (education) support project.

County Governor Nam Han-gwon stated, "Through this basic plan, we aim to help youth settle stably in Ulleung County and provide substantial financial support so they can become key drivers of the community’s future. We will also continue to develop the youth policy system established through the 2026 basic plan."