"Businesses and investors from the greater Seoul area have already put money into Busan, Daegu and Gwangju, and then into Daejeon and the Chungcheong provinces — now it's time to head to Gangwon, to Wonju, the heart of the peninsula."
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, long a powerhouse in tourism, is now pushing to become an economic force as well. Creating conditions that attract and retain young talent has emerged as a critical prerequisite for building the region into a future economic hub.
Gangwon Governor Woo Sang-ho has identified housing, marriage and childcare environments as key factors, but also stressed the importance of entertainment options, trendy content and better access to the Swiss-style natural scenery the province already possesses.
Wonju Mayor Gu Ja-yeol, one of the governor's key partners, has also been paying close attention to improving living conditions for young residents. He announced Monday that the city will soon hold a youth festival where young people can come together and enjoy themselves.
The 2026 Wonju Youth Festival will run from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the outdoor performance venue of the Hanji Theme Park in Musil-dong.
The festival is built around programs that bring young residents and the broader public together, with local youth involved at every stage from planning to execution.
Highlights include a youth song competition showcasing local talent, a random-play dance event open to all and a celebratory performance — offering visitors a full slate of entertainment throughout the day.
Bean bag chairs and camping seats will be set up on the festival grounds, giving visitors a relaxed space to rest and take in the performances and activities at their own pace.
Alongside the festival, youth week programming at the Youth Lounge East and West will feature one-day hands-on workshops, including leather crafting and a no-oven matcha dessert class. An interactive talk with author Jang Jae-yeol on burnout and emotional recovery is also planned.
Young people wishing to take part in the youth week programs can register on a first-come, first-served basis through the Wonju Youth Support Center website or via the QR code in the event notice until Friday. Walk-in registration on the day of the event will also be available if advance sign-ups fall short of capacity.
Wonju welfare policy director Lee Yeong-seop said the city had created "a space for communication where young people can take the lead in shaping the festival and connect with fellow citizens," adding that the city would "do its utmost to provide effective youth policy support so that young people can settle in Wonju as proud members of the community and pursue their dreams."
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