Nowon District’s Youth Growth Project Rated as Only “Best” in Seoul Metropolitan Area by Ministry of Employment and Labor

The Only Local Government Nationwide to Receive the Highest Rating for Direct Management

Nowon District in Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced on January 10 that it was selected as the only "Best Operating Institution" among local governments in the Seoul metropolitan area in last year's Ministry of Employment and Labor Youth Growth Project performance evaluation. Notably, it was the only local government in the country to receive the highest rating for its direct management operation model.

Scene from the Nowon Youth Policy Governance Center Integrated Performance Sharing Meeting. Provided by Nowon District.

This evaluation reviewed the operational performance of 54 participating local governments nationwide. The main criteria were whether the local governments effectively implemented support policies tailored to regional characteristics for young people, including those categorized as "not in employment, education, or training."

The key reason behind Nowon District's top rating was the introduction of the "Youth Autonomous Budget System," the first of its kind among Seoul's districts. The Nowon Youth Policy Network, a youth participation body, proposed policies that were actually reflected in the budget. By linking these with the Youth Growth Project, the district effectively promoted employment support and youth policies tailored to local needs, which received high marks.

Last year, the district allocated a total budget of 100 million won to provide customized support tailored to youth needs such as career paths, job searching, and relationship building. Major programs included group counseling, youth exchange, career planning, and mentoring by professionals.

Among these, the group counseling program known as "Nadawoom Counseling" was recognized as an exemplary case, earning high satisfaction from young participants. It is a professional self-exploration counseling program based on the results of three major psychological assessments: Birkman, TCI, and MBTI.

Reflecting the needs of young people identified during last year's project, the district plans to continue the Youth Growth Project and provide ongoing support to strengthen career and employment capabilities.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon District, stated, "We have established a system where projects proposed by young people are translated into policy, and support tailored to local needs leads to tangible outcomes, which contributed to the positive evaluation. In 2026, we will further strengthen customized support that provides real benefits to the lives of young people."