"From AI Experiences to Stress Relief"... Youth Festival Opens in Iksan

3rd North Jeolla Province Special Self-Governing Province Youth Expo to Be Held May 20-21
128 Experience Booths... Youth-Designed Programs and Performances

A large-scale youth festival, with the participation of around 10,000 young people from the Jeonbuk region, will take place in Iksan over two days from May 20 to 21. The event will bring together future technology experiences, cultural performances, career exploration, and counseling programs all in one place, and is set to be organized as an on-site, youth-driven festival where young people participate directly in every aspect.

On May 13, Iksan City announced that, in collaboration with North Jeolla Province Special Self-Governing Province and the North Jeolla Provincial Office of Education, it will host the "3rd North Jeolla Province Special Self-Governing Province Youth Expo" across venues including the Iksan Central Sports Park, the Arts Center, and the Youth Center.

The event is organized by the North Jeolla Province Youth Activity Promotion Center. Since its inaugural edition in 2023, the Youth Expo has grown into a participatory festival for young people. Last year's event also attracted high interest, with continuous applications for career experience and performance programs.

This year's expo, themed "The Imagination of Youth Blossoms into the Future of Jeonbuk," expects to draw about 10,000 participants, including local youth and citizens, with 2,700 students from 14 Iksan schools also joining the event.

There will be 128 experience booths reflecting the interests of young people. In the future and career section, participants can experience new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) firsthand. In the global and green section, various cultural exchange and eco-friendly programs will be available. In the safety, counseling, and sharing section, youth counseling services and personal development support programs will be offered.

One of the highlights is the "Stress Relief Zone." Prepared by the Iksan City Youth Institutions and Organizations Council, this zone offers six hands-on programs designed for young people coping with academic and career-related stress. Participants can relax and connect with their peers through a variety of activities and games.

This year's expo also stands out in how it involves youth participation. Rather than being a simple spectator event, it is structured as a "youth-led festival" where young people take part in planning and operations. The main program, the "Youth Art Festival," will feature 10 youth clubs from Iksan, selected through a preliminary round, performing on stage. They will showcase their talents and individuality through vocal and dance performances, among others.

Iksan City plans to expand outdoor shelters and rest areas to enhance visitor convenience during the event. In addition, 170 vehicles will be deployed to support safe transportation for participants from various parts of the province, ensuring smooth and secure event operations.

Naeun Jeong, Director of Welfare at Iksan City, said, "We hope this will be an opportunity for young people to discover their potential and career paths through various experiences," adding, "We look forward to this expo in Iksan becoming a memorable experience and a new challenge for the youth."