Seoul's Jung-gu district office is running its second-half "Youth Admin Experience Corps" program through July 28, giving young residents hands-on exposure to public administration and helping them explore career paths. District Mayor Kim Gil-sung is overseeing the initiative.
Participants kicked off the program Tuesday with an orientation held at the district office's third-floor planning situation room.
A public recruitment drive last month drew 42 applicants from Jung-gu residents between the ages of 19 and 29, and 18 were selected by lottery. The selected participants work five hours a day on weekdays — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding lunch — and receive the district's living wage of 60,605 won ($39) per day.
Participants were assigned to youth centers, libraries, public health centers and community welfare centers based on each department's needs and applicants' academic backgrounds. At their respective placements, they handle tasks in administration and welfare, including managing facility users, assisting with program and project operations, and checking in on case-management clients.
The program also includes activities designed to give participants a broader view of public service. During the four weeks, participants will take part in "district tours" visiting key facilities such as a youth center and a volunteer center, as well as a "community center day experience" supporting frontline public-service operations.
On the final day, July 28, all participants will gather for a closing session called "Youth Talk," where they will share reflections on their four weeks in the field and propose policies they believe the district needs.
"I hope this experience deepens young people's understanding of public service and gives them real help in planning their careers," district Mayor Kim said. "We will actively incorporate the fresh ideas they discover in the field into future district administration."
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