Local young professionals take part as coupling program achieves over 50% match rate; more than 1,000 youth and residents join district mayor for candid talks on career anxieties
Songpa-gu held the 2026 Songpa Youth Festival, themed "Youth Amusement Park," on Sunday at the east lake of Seokchon Lake, marking Youth Day with a well-attended celebration.
On the day of the festival, a couples-matching program called "Excitement in Songpa" was held at Songpa Academy near Seokchon Lake — a first-time addition to the event this year.
Thirty-five young local professionals took part, spending time together through various recreational activities in hopes of finding a connection. As a result, 10 couples were formed, achieving a match rate of more than 50 percent.
District Mayor Seo Gang-seok personally announced the final matched couples, saying he was "delighted to be able to offer real, practical help with marriage and dating — two of the biggest concerns weighing on young people today." He added that the district would "spare no effort in supporting young people so they can take charge of their own lives with a sense of purpose."
At the main evening program, "Songpa Youth Night," District Mayor Seo and youth representatives held an open dialogue called "Youth Summit," focusing on the issues that matter most to young people. From a list of eight topics, participants unanimously chose "anxiety about career paths and the future" as their top concern.
On this, Seo said the forum had been "a meaningful occasion to gain a deeper understanding of the real worries young people carry," and pledged that Songpa-gu would serve as "a steadfast support system backing the futures of its young residents."
Throughout the festival grounds, booths offering mentoring, personal counseling, youth policy information, and financial and investment advice drew steady interest from attendees. An open art-wall experience program also proved popular, drawing enthusiastic participation from visitors of all ages.
Seo said he hoped the festival had served as "a space where young people and the local community could come to truly understand and connect with one another," adding that he wished it had given youth "the opportunity to freely showcase their talents and pursue their dreams."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
