"Youth is a period brimming with potential and possibilities. But for today's young people, neither employment nor housing comes easy. We must not let them lose that precious time to worries about rent and job insecurity."
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon wrote on his Facebook page Thursday that "this is exactly why Seoul Metropolitan Government operates the 'Seoul Youth Policy Tip Bus,' visiting campuses directly."
The Seoul Youth Policy Tip Bus is a program created by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to visit young people where they are and provide needed consultations. From June 16 through 27, the bus is touring 10 universities in Seoul — including Ewha Womans University, Seoul National University, Konkuk University and Kookmin University — to meet with young people. The bus offers housing policy consultations such as support for real estate brokerage fees, moving costs and monthly rent, as well as employment-related programs including resume and cover letter consulting.
Mayor Oh visited the Soongsil University student center, where the Youth Policy Tip Bus had stopped, to meet with young people. He listened to practical concerns about housing, employment and academics from about 10 students over lunch, and visited the Tip Bus booths to encourage city employees providing guidance on youth housing and employment policies.
"From college years through job preparation, housing is inevitably the biggest burden, which is why Seoul is implementing a wide range of policies including Youth Safety Housing, monthly rent support and moving cost subsidies," Oh said. "We will push forward with housing stabilization measures such as 'Saessak Studios' and 'Youth Shared Housing' at full speed so that young people can focus on their studies and future without worrying about housing."
He also pledged, "Seoul will be a 'Special City for Youth Growth,' and the city government will share that burden so young people can focus solely on their future and possibilities."
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is pursuing various support programs spanning youth employment, housing, finance and welfare. Key initiatives include "Seoul Young Careers," which provides employment and work experience to 16,000 young people annually through 2030; the "Youth Employment Academy," which trains 10,000 artificial intelligence talents per year; and "The Dream Home+," a youth housing policy targeting 74,000 units. The city is also running the "Young Tech" program, which offers financial education and counseling.
"We will create a system that connects career exploration to hands-on experience in a structured way, making it easier for young people to seize opportunities," Oh said. "Seoul will become a 'stepping stone of possibilities' for its youth."
