Yeongam County will incorporate feedback from local youth into the youth living and startup space set to open in October. The initiative aims to enhance usability by involving young people in the design phase rather than just having them participate in programs after the facilities are built.
On August 7, county officials, along with Park Kyung-won, representative of the 4th Yeongam Youth Council, and 20 other members, visited the construction site of Gyodong Jeombang and the Youth Startup Support Center to assess the progress and future operational direction.
The focus of the site inspection was not merely to check construction progress but to understand what types of spaces the youth will need once the facilities are operational.
Participants first visited Gyodong Jeombang, which is being developed as part of an urban regeneration project. They discussed how to integrate the characteristics of the existing space with local historical and cultural resources.
Next, they toured the Youth Startup Support Center, which includes a shared lounge, shared kitchen, makerspace, classrooms, and coworking spaces.
Members of the Youth Council provided input from the perspective of actual users regarding furniture arrangement, relaxation areas, and exhibition space layout. Suggestions were also made to utilize the rooftop as a space for youth activities and interactions to enhance the facility's usability.
The Youth Startup Support Center is expected to serve as a new hub for local youth, allowing them to exchange ideas and develop startup concepts in a collaborative environment.
Yeongam County plans to review the suggestions made by the Youth Council and incorporate them into the spatial configuration and detailed operational plans for each facility. Both Gyodong Jeombang and the Youth Startup Support Center are scheduled to begin operations in October after completing the necessary preparations.
The county aims to ensure that these facilities go beyond mere support centers for youth, becoming vibrant hubs where young people can naturally meet, share information, and initiate new projects and activities.
Woo Seung-hee, the mayor of Yeongam County, stated, “It is important to listen to the voices of young people from the very beginning, as this space is for them to use and engage in activities. We will create an environment where they can comfortably gather, start new ventures, and grow alongside the community.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.