Yeongdeungpo-gu Pays Up to 100,000 Won a Year When Youth Verify Their Workouts

Yeongdeungpo-gu, led by District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon, is recruiting second-half participants for its "Yeongdeungpo Youth Oununwan (Today's Workout Complete)" project, aimed at young residents who have put off exercising because of cost or time constraints.

The project is a youth-tailored policy unique to Yeongdeungpo-gu: participants work out at local sports facilities and submit proof of their session to receive a partial reimbursement of their class fees.

Response to the first-half program was strong. One participant preparing for job applications said the project "took the financial pressure off exercising and helped me stay healthy," adding that it made her want to keep living in Yeongdeungpo.

Buoyed by that reception, the district will accept 1,050 new applicants from June 15 through June 30. Eligibility is open to residents aged 19 to 39 who have lived in Yeongdeungpo-gu for at least six months as of the application date and whose personal income does not exceed 150 percent of the median income standard — 3,846,357 won per month.

Interested applicants can apply through the "Youth Oununwan Project" board on the district's official website during the application window. Recipients will be chosen by random draw, and results will be communicated individually.

Those selected may choose any activity they like — gym workouts, climbing, Pilates, yoga, jiu-jitsu, swimming, CrossFit and more — at participating sports facilities in the district. After each session, they post a verification photo to the Yeongdeungpo Youth Naver Cafe or their personal social media account with the hashtag #영등포청년오운완 and receive reimbursement of 90 percent of the fees they paid, up to a maximum of 100,000 won (about $65) per year.

"I hope young people who have been putting off exercise because of their busy lives will use this project as an opportunity to reclaim their health and energy," District Mayor Choi said.