[Report] "Free Makeup and Photo Shoot"... Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso Becomes a Hot Place

Rising Living Costs Increase Burden on Job Seekers
Various Employment Support Services Provided
Available for Ages 15 to 39 Only

"These days, taking a resume photo costs around 50,000 to 60,000 won, so being able to do it for free is really great."

As the recent high inflation continues, economic burdens on young people are increasing, including costs for resume photo shoots, makeup, and study room rentals. 'Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso' (Youth Vitality Center) is emerging as a ‘hot place’ for job seekers by offering various employment support services free of charge.

On the afternoon of the 27th, resume photo shoots are taking place at the Youth Vitality Center on the B1 floor of Seoul City Hall.
[Photo by Im Chunhan]

On the afternoon of the 27th, Mr. Lee (27), whom we met at the 2nd Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso in the basement level 1 of Seoul City Hall, said, "I happened to find a banner on the Seoul city website and applied," adding, "Since it was free, I didn't have high expectations, but I am satisfied with the results." College student Jang (26) said, "A friend told me about a place where you can take resume photos for free, so I made a reservation," and added, "I thought I had to bring everything prepared, but it was nice that suits, shirts, and ties were provided."

The photographer adjusted the job seeker's expression and outfit, saying, "A little more to the right, head forward, relax your shoulders. Let's go with a bright smile. Much better." If the photo was unsatisfactory after shooting, retakes were done, and opinions were exchanged about parts to be retouched. The photos go through final editing and are usually sent by email within a week.

At the 2nd Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso, a makeup and hair program was being operated. The makeup specialist said, "I will cleanly cover blemishes. Your skin is quite dry. You shouldn't drink too much coffee," offering both compliments and advice. Mr. Lim (28) said, "My mother told me yesterday about the free program. Normally, the monthly reservations are full, but I suddenly saw one spot open and applied immediately," adding, "I have never had professional makeup done before. This is my first time, and it's amazing. I feel like a different person," smiling.

On the afternoon of the 27th, a makeup and hair program is being held at the Youth Vitality Center on the B1 floor of Seoul City Hall.
[Photo by Im Chunhan]

At Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso, resume photo shoots and makeup & hair programs are held every Tuesday. Photo shoots accept reservations for 24 people, and makeup & hair for 9 people on a first-come, first-served basis. The facility is divided into the 1st Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso, specialized for interviews, and the 2nd Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso, a comprehensive youth support facility. The video interview room at the 1st Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso is equipped with laptops, microphones, and soundproof booths.

The self-introduction video room is equipped with professional equipment such as cameras, tripods, video editing PCs, ceiling and portable LED lights, wireless microphones, and chroma key backgrounds. The 2nd Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso consists of 4-person and 6-person study cafes, employment counseling rooms, Seoul Young Tech counseling rooms, youth mental health counseling rooms, and a counseling center for young wounded veterans.

Seoul City operates ‘Job Cafes’ that systematically support youth employment by region, and one of these is Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso. Any youth aged 15 to 39 can use the services free of charge. Reservations can be made through the Seoul City job portal site’s pre-booking system, and if there are no reservations, same-day use is also possible.

A Seoul city official said, "We hope that young people of the ‘N-po generation,’ who are giving up on employment, assets, housing, and marriage amid difficult realities, will not give up their dreams at Cheongnyeon Hwalryeokso," adding, "We will continue to promote various policies to accompany more young people in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.