Youth participatory budget proposal contest targets 1 billion won ($730,000) by 2027; open to residents, workers and students aged 19 to 39 across employment, education, residential, welfare and culture
Gwangjin-gu is launching a youth participatory budget proposal contest, inviting young residents to suggest projects they need and have those ideas reflected in district policy and spending.
The contest is part of a campaign pledge from the ninth directly elected administration to gather youth opinions and incorporate them into district governance through a participatory budgeting program.
With this contest as a starting point, the district aims to operate a youth participatory budget worth 1 billion won ($730,000) from 2027. The initiative is designed to expand the foundation for young people to go beyond being policy beneficiaries, propose projects directly and take part in the budget-planning process.
The contest is open to residents, workers, students and youth organizations in Gwangjin-gu between the ages of 19 and 39.
Proposals may cover all areas of youth policy — employment and startup support, education, residential support, welfare and culture — and applicants are free to suggest any project they believe young people need. However, multi-year projects, routine complaints and proposals that benefit specific individuals or organizations are excluded. Even proposals that cannot be immediately reflected in the budget will be actively considered for future youth policy and district administration.
The submission window runs from Aug. 24 to Sept. 21. Interested applicants can check the announcement on the youth portal of the Gwangjin-gu website under the "Information for Youth" board, then submit a proposal by email or visit the district's Youth Policy Division in person. Further inquiries can be directed to the Youth Policy Division.
Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said that to craft policies young people can actually feel, it is essential to listen to their voices directly and incorporate them into district governance. "We have pushed forward a range of policies to support young people's daily lives and futures — including expanded subsidies for language and certification exam fees, youth cultural lifestyle vouchers, and the creation of a youth startup hub," he said. He added that through the youth participatory budget, the district would broaden opportunities for young people to propose policies and engage in governance, and work together with youth to build a better future for Gwangjin.
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