Hwaseong Special City Wins Grand Prize at '9th Youth-Friendly Civic Award'
Hwaseong Special City (Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun) has won the grand prize in the basic local government division at the ‘2026 9th Youth-Friendly Civic Award.’
This is the second consecutive year winning the grand prize following last year, and marks the third award following the Communication Award in 2023, demonstrating sustained achievements and excellence in youth policy.
The Youth-Friendly Civic Award, hosted by Youth and Future, a civic organization under the jurisdiction of the National Assembly Secretariat, was established to commend institutions that have contributed to creating youth-friendly environments. The evaluation focused on operation of youth participation bodies, youth support projects, and hosting and participation in youth-related events.
Hwaseong Special City has promoted residential and livelihood stability policies including Hwaseong-style youth monthly rent support and interest subsidy programs for jeonse (long-term lease) deposit loans. Additionally, it has contributed to easing the economic burden on youth and improving their quality of life through employment and job support for slow learners and youth job encouragement funds to support long-term employment and regional settlement of youth working at small and medium-sized enterprises.
The city also received recognition for practical youth-focused policy achievements aimed at creating a city where youth want to live and stay, including expanded operation of youth policy councils, introduction of participatory budgeting for youth, youth member quota systems in various committees, youth policy idea contests, and organized promotional supporter groups for youth policies that reflect the voices of youth in policy-making.
Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun stated, "This award reflects the results of viewing youth as active participants in shaping the future of the region rather than merely policy beneficiaries and actively incorporating youth voices into municipal administration," and added, "We will pursue more detailed policies to ensure tangible changes in areas closely related to youth life, including housing, employment, and policy participation."
Meanwhile, the award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the National Assembly Members' Hall on September 9th during the commemorative ceremony for the ‘2026 9th Republic of Korea Youth Day.’