Gangseo District to Provide Up to KRW 100,000 in Certification Exam Fees for Unemployed Youth

Gangseo Residents Aged 19 to 39
Includes TOEIC and National Qualification Exams

On May 12, Gangseo District in Seoul announced the launch of the “2026 Certification Exam Fee Support Program” to reduce the financial burden on unemployed local youth and enhance their employability.

The program targets residents of Gangseo District aged 19 to 39 who are unemployed and do not have a business registration as of the application date. Each eligible individual can receive up to KRW 100,000 to cover actual exam fees for certification tests taken after January 1 of this year, with no limit on the number of times support can be requested. Within the maximum limit of KRW 100,000, applicants may apply for reimbursement for multiple exams at once.

Eligible exams include language proficiency tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL, OPIc, as well as national qualification exams and the Korean History Proficiency Test. However, those who have already received support for similar programs—such as the Seoul Youth Allowance or the National Employment Support System—or who fail to take the exam after registration are excluded from eligibility.

This program, implemented since 2024, is a district-led initiative that directly subsidizes various certification exam fees, which are essential steps in the job-seeking process. It aims to help young people focus on self-development and job search activities without the burden of costs.

Youth wishing to apply should submit the application form and required documents, available in the “Notices” section of the Gangseo District Office website, via email (gsyouth@gangseo.seoul.kr). The application period runs until November of this year, but may close early if the budget is exhausted. The district will verify eligibility—such as duplicate benefit status—and select recipients in the order applications are received.

A district official stated, “We hope this program will provide practical assistance to young people struggling with high inflation and job market difficulties,” adding, “We will continue to develop various support measures to improve youth employment rates and facilitate a stable transition into society.”