Festival blending youth policy and culture set for Saturday at Konkuk University's Common Ground; 15 youth-related organizations to offer guidance on employment, welfare and mental health
Gwangjin-gu will host the "2026 Youth Policy Expo" this Saturday at Common Ground near Konkuk University, marking Youth Day.
Youth Day falls on the third Saturday of September each year. It is a statutory commemorative day designated to raise awareness of the importance of protecting young people's rights and promoting their development, and to draw greater public attention to issues facing youth.
The district organized the event to help young people relate to the everyday concerns their peers face and to make it easy and engaging to find policies relevant to their own lives. This year's theme is a laundromat, with the tagline "Wash away today's worries, and wear tomorrow" — offering a space where policy information and cultural programming come together.
A total of 15 youth-related organizations will take part, introducing youth policies and support programs covering employment, entrepreneurship, welfare and mental health. Participating groups — including the Seoul Youth Center Gwangjin, Konkuk University's Jobs Plus Business Unit, Sejong University's First-Step Employment Guarantee Center and the Gwangjin Mental Health Welfare Center — will provide policy information and offer consultations by field.
A free market showcasing products by young entrepreneurs will also be held. Young founders affiliated with the Gwangjin Sewing Industry Comprehensive Support Center and the Youth Cook Business Center will display items they have made themselves, giving local young entrepreneurs a chance to promote their products and connect directly with consumers.
Cultural programming will round out the day. Young artists will perform sets based on audience stories and song requests, while a rest zone and photo booth will be available throughout the event. Participants who complete a stamp book by visiting the booths will receive a small commemorative gift.
Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said the expo is "an event where young people can explore youth policies across a wide range of fields — employment, entrepreneurship, housing, welfare and culture — all in one place, while also enjoying cultural programs." He added: "We cannot resolve all the various concerns young people face in one go, but we will continue to communicate consistently with youth and work to identify and support policies that make a real difference in their daily lives."
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