- Hanam City, led by Mayor Lee Hyunjae, launches its 2026 youth policy vision: 'Hanam, a City Where Youth Stay and Grow', focusing on employment, housing, education, welfare, culture, and youth participation.
- Initiatives include employment counseling, AI-based mock interviews, rent support, housing loan assistance, cultural programs, and skill-building grants to enhance youth self-reliance and quality of life.
- Youth governance is strengthened through honorary youth mayors and the Youth Policy Advisory Group, ensuring young residents have a voice in policymaking and community development.
Hanam City in Gyeonggi Province, under the leadership of Mayor Lee Hyunjae, has unveiled its ambitious plans to empower the city’s youth through a comprehensive set of initiatives in 2026. During the '2026 First Youth Policy Committee' meeting, held on March 16 at the City Hall, city officials and committee members reviewed the successes of last year’s youth programs and discussed strategic directions for this year. The session, attended by 13 committee members including Chairman Lee Youngsoo, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive academically, professionally, and socially.
This year, Hanam City’s youth policy vision, titled 'Hanam, a City Where Youth Stay and Grow', focuses on strengthening youth self-reliance, improving their quality of life, and expanding opportunities for active youth participation in policymaking. A total of 58 projects will be rolled out across five core areas: employment, housing, education, welfare and culture, and youth rights and participation. Officials highlighted the need for policies that young people can experience directly, from improved employment pathways to housing stability and engagement in civic affairs.
To support youth employment, Hanam City plans to provide one-stop services through the Youth Support Center, offering counseling, AI-based mock interviews, and participation in tailored employment programs. Innovative initiatives include the Youth Challenge Support Project for those struggling to find jobs, mentoring programs with corporate employees, interview suit rentals, profile photo services, and the operation of the Youth Recruitment ZONE. Additionally, programs such as the Youth Employment Education Support Project, which offers up to 2 million won annually for employment-related courses, and the Gyeonggi Youth Capacity-Building Opportunity Support, providing up to 300,000 won for language and qualification exams, aim to strengthen the skills and career readiness of young residents.
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Housing support for young people will also be expanded. The ongoing Youth Monthly Rent Support Project now offers up to 200,000 won per month for two years to local youth aged 19 to 34 who do not own homes. The city is also providing assistance for jeonse deposit return guarantee fees and interest subsidies for housing loans for newly married couples, supporting youth in achieving financial and residential stability.
In the fields of welfare and culture, Hanam City is introducing participatory budgeting projects proposed by youth, as well as initiatives like the Youth Financial Counseling Center, Work Skills Classes, and the Youth Essay Production Project, which combines cultural activities with psychological recovery. Health programs, including free annual health checkups for single-person youth households, ensure that young residents have access to essential medical screenings. Cultural opportunities are being expanded with the Youth Culture and Arts Pass, extended to age 20, and the Stage Hanam (Busking) project, which allows young artists to showcase their talents.
To strengthen youth governance, the city will appoint honorary youth mayors and a Youth Policy Advisory Group, collectively known as Youth Mate, who will represent youth voices in policy discussions both online and offline. Hanam’s dedication to youth development has already been recognized nationally, receiving top honors in the Youth Challenge Support Project and the Youth Future City Grand Prize.
A Hanam City official emphasized, “We are committed to establishing a comprehensive support system for youth, covering jobs, housing, welfare, and cultural opportunities, so that young people can envision their future and grow within Hanam. We will continue to actively listen to their voices to make Hanam a city where youth thrive and stay.”
