121 Projects Finalized
Full-Scale Launch of Tangible, Youth-Centered Policies Focused on Employment and Housing
"A region where young people leave has no future." Kim Taehum, Governor of Chungnam Province, has elevated youth policy to the top priority of provincial administration.
This year, Chungnam Province will invest 506.3 billion won to implement 121 policies aimed at transforming the lives of young people, focusing on employment and housing.
On January 19, Governor Kim stated, "When I speak directly with young people, their biggest concern is ultimately jobs," adding, "As the social structure has changed, policies and administration must now be tailored to the realities faced by youth."
He further emphasized, "The moment young people lose their dreams, society loses its vitality. I will accelerate both the direction and pace of policies so that Chungnam can become a land of opportunity for the younger generation."
On this day, the province held the '2026 1st Youth Policy Coordination Committee' meeting in the main conference room of the provincial government office and finalized this year's youth policy implementation plan. About 30 people attended the meeting, including the governor, directors of departments and bureaus, and members of the Youth Policy Coordination Committee.
This year's youth policy consists of 121 projects across five key areas: employment, housing, education, welfare & culture, and participation & rights. The total project budget is 506.3 billion won, with a focus on enhancing the tangible impact and on-the-ground effectiveness of these policies.
The Youth Policy Office will alleviate the burden of housing and initial employment for young people by providing monthly rent support, interest subsidies for housing lease deposits, and youth internship and challenge programs.
The Planning and Coordination Office will implement student-centered policies such as 1,000-won breakfasts for university students, student loan interest support, and the operation of the Chungnam Student Residence.
The Industrial Economy Office will support stable job retention through long-term employment support for young workers, job jumpstart incentives, and the establishment of youth culture centers in industrial complexes.
The Population Strategy Bureau will expand life-cycle policies, including full-care support, assistance for self-reliant youth, and re-employment support for young people with career interruptions.
The Health and Welfare Bureau will strengthen economic and psychological safety nets through programs like the Youth Tomorrow Savings Account, daily care services, and mental health support, while the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau will broaden cultural opportunities with the Youth Culture & Arts Pass and support for young artists' creative activities.
The Agriculture and Livestock Bureau will promote youth farmer settlement support, smart farm development, and rural housing projects, while the Architecture and Urban Affairs Bureau will enhance youth housing stability through Chungnam-style "Live Together" initiatives and lease deposit return guarantee support.
The province plans to introduce the generative AI-based policy recommendation service "Chungnam Youth TokTok" on the Chungnam Youth Portal, and will focus administrative resources on performance management, including a progress review scheduled for July.
Meanwhile, the province has been recognized for its achievements in youth engagement and communication-based policy implementation, being selected as an excellent institution for two consecutive years in the nationwide metropolitan government youth policy evaluation organized by the Prime Minister's Office.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.


