South Gyeongnam Province seeks applicants for youth village project

South Gyeongnam Province announced Monday it is accepting applications from organizations wishing to participate in its "South Gyeongnam-style Youth Village" project, a program aimed at helping young people settle and build a foundation for activity in the region. The application window runs through July 17.

This year's project budget of 270 million won ($175,000) will be distributed in stages tailored to each youth organization's level of development.

The project offers two tracks. Under the "early-stage support" track for groups just getting started, 14 organizations will be selected and each awarded 5 million won. The funding is intended to help young people explore local resources and develop settlement programs while living in the area.

The "outstanding organization advancement support" track, for groups with established track records, will select four organizations and provide each with 50 million won to help activate community-based programs and hub spaces.

To be eligible, an organization or company must be based in the province, have at least five members, be led by a young person, and have young people make up at least 50 percent of its membership. Applications can be submitted to the youth policy division of the relevant city or county office where the organization is located.

"This will serve as a catalyst project for young people to settle stably in the region," a provincial official said, adding that the province plans to expand the project after evaluating its results.