Nowon District Launches "Youth Policy Package" Covering Learning to Second Chances

by Kim Minjin

Published 17 Apr.2026 09:54(KST)

Connecting Hubs for Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Psychological Counseling

Nowon District in Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is set to fully implement its "Youth Policy Package," which connects all stages from learning to employment, entrepreneurship, and psychological recovery for young people.

A young person visiting the Youth Psychological Counseling Center. Courtesy of Nowon-gu.

On April 17, the district announced that it has completed a cyclical structure that links previously dispersed youth support programs into a single, cohesive flow. By designating key base spaces for each stage-learning, job preparation, entrepreneurship, and recovery-it will provide tailored support step-by-step.

During the learning stage, the Youth Lifelong Learning Base, "Youth Learning," offers courses to strengthen job competencies, support emotional recovery, and encourage creative activities. In the job preparation phase, the Youth Job Center, "Youth Tomorrow," provides counseling, interview coaching, and job-seeking assistance. For entrepreneurship, the "Youth Store" and shared offices help lower initial burdens and offer practical experience.

The recovery stage is managed by the "Nowon Youth Work & Life Center" and the "Youth Psychological Counseling Center," which is the first of its kind among Seoul’s autonomous districts. The counseling center serves as a public safety net, offering services ranging from depression and anxiety counseling to psychological assessments, group programs, and referrals for specialized treatment. Demand has been high, with over 42 applicants in just one month since opening. Each individual can participate in up to ten sessions.

Other cultural and networking hubs, such as Seoul Youth Center Nowon, Culture Salon 5120, and Youth Empathy, are also being operated to create an environment where young people can naturally connect in their daily lives.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok stated, "Youth policy cannot be completed by focusing on just one area; it is important to create a structure where learning, work, challenge, and recovery are seamlessly connected." He added, "We will continue to provide comprehensive support so that young people can fully realize their potential and experience Nowon as a city where they want to stay and thrive."