The forum, set for 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 at Mapo Central Library, will let young residents propose policies and hear directly from the district mayor. Applications are open through Nov. 6 for 50 participants aged 19 to 39 to discuss improvements in areas including jobs and housing.
Mapo-gu will host the "Mapo Youth Policy Forum" at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 in the sixth-floor seminar room of Mapo Central Library, recruiting 50 young participants to share everyday concerns and ideas that can be incorporated into local policy.
Held under the theme "Youth Speak Up, Together We Change," the forum will give young residents a platform to voice the inconveniences they face in daily life and the changes they want to see, engaging directly with the district mayor and relevant departments to discuss policy improvements.
When applying, participants may select an area of interest — jobs and entrepreneurship, the economy and housing, culture and welfare, or youth participation — and freely describe policies they believe Mapo-gu needs, along with their reasons, or topics they would like to raise at the forum. Those who wish to present a policy proposal directly may also submit additional details on the proposal's background, content and expected impact.
Submissions received in advance will be reviewed by the relevant departments before the forum. Officials will examine the necessity and feasibility of each proposal and assess whether existing projects could be improved, so they can provide substantive responses to participants' questions on the day.
On the day of the event, pre-submitted proposals will be introduced first, followed by presentations from selected participants who will explain the background and proposed improvements for their respective areas. Other attendees may also join the discussion by asking questions or sharing their own experiences and views. The district mayor will respond to the proposals and on-site comments, with relevant departments providing supplementary answers where needed.
After the forum, proposals will be categorized into short-term action items and medium-to-long-term review items, and the district will examine whether they can be incorporated into the youth policy master plan and annual implementation plans.
The forum is open to young people aged 19 to 39 — born between 1987 and 2007 — who live in Mapo-gu or study, work or run a business there, and who are able to attend in person on the day.
Applications are accepted through Nov. 6 via the QR code on the promotional poster, with results announced on Nov. 20. For further details, contact the Mapo-gu Office's Youth Policy Division.
"To make youth policies more effective, we must faithfully reflect young people's lived experiences and voices in the policymaking process," Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "I hope interested young residents will join this forum and help shape the future of Mapo together."
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