The number of youth center users has surged due to difficulties in finding employment and high cost of living…16 times increase in 3 years.

Available for use including study spaces and studios
Over 570,000 people visited the Seoul Youth Center last year
Youth spaces operated by each district are also popular, ‘Visiting the Seoul Youth Center in Dobong-gu on a weekday afternoon. The desks and spaces on the 1st and 2nd floors set up for studying were almost fully occupied. Many young people were working on their laptops or studying with books open.’,
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, ‘A notice indicated that the target users are aged 19 to 39, and most of the visitors were in their 20s and 30s. A job seeker, Mr. Ahn (25), whom I met here, explained, “It’s difficult to study in my small room, and going out every day for a study room or coffee expenses is burdensome,” adding, “I frequently use the youth center where I can study freely without feeling pressured.”‘,
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Study space provided at the Seoul Youth Center in Dobong-gu. [Photo=Yum Da-yeon],
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, ‘Recently, there has been an increase in the number of youth visiting centers operated by Seoul and local governments. The demand for free study spaces has been growing in the continuing situations of unemployment and high prices.’,
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, ‘The Seoul Youth Center, operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Center and the Seoul Metropolitan City, is a space that any youth can use without restrictions. Currently, it is operated in 15 locations in Seoul, including Dobong-gu, Mapo-gu, and Seocho-gu. Being mostly located near subway stations has increased accessibility for young people who rely on public transportation. In addition to study spaces, the centers also offer facilities such as meeting rooms with beam projectors and studios for video interviews at prices lower than the market rate.’,
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, ‘The young people I met that day said, “Having spaces available for free in times like these relieves some worries.” Lim (23), who is preparing for an internship after taking a hiatus from university, mentioned, “In such difficult times for employment, being able to do something for free is great,” and added, “I’ve visited various youth centers, and they are all located close to subway stations, so the accessibility seems good.” Lee (28), who is preparing for a job change after resigning, said, “I rented the studio in the center for a video interview,” and continued, “It was convenient to use without spending a lot of money and time preparing personally.”‘,
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, ‘The number of visitors to the Seoul Youth Center has been rapidly increasing over the past 3 years. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Center, the total number of space users last year reached 574,308. This is more than 16 times the 2021 figure of 34,040. Even when calculated based on the number of days the center was open, the number of users increased by about 8 times. As of June this year, it was confirmed that 396,241 people visited, more than last year, and more young people are expected to use the center.’,
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, ‘Furthermore, additional youth spaces are gradually being established in each district. Among the 25 local districts in Seoul, it was confirmed that 13 are currently operating spaces that youth can use for free.’,
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, ‘The ‘Gwanak Youth Center’ operated in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, opened in May last year and has been seeing a rapid increase in the number of monthly users. Providing spaces for youth activities where they can interact, as well as youth-tailored programs in employment, jobs, and welfare. An official from the Gwanak Youth Center said, “We expected about 20,000 visitors this year, but as of the end of August, about 63,000 people have visited the youth center,” adding, “The response to programs such as job skill enhancement programs and one-day classes has been positive, so we plan to expand support in the future.”‘,
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, ‘Choi Hye-soo (24), a job seeker who spends most of her weekdays at the center, said, “Studying at a café is not socially accepted, so I was hesitant, but it’s great that I can use the youth center comfortably,” and “After looking it up, it seems like each district has a youth center available, so I think positively about the accessibility.”‘,
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A meeting on youth support projects is taking place at the Gwanak Youth Center in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. [Photo=Yum Da-yeon],
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, ‘Reflecting this demand, Seoul plans to expand the establishment of youth centers. The opening of the center in Seongbuk-gu is scheduled for the first half of next year, and in the second half of 2026, a center will be established in the Yeonhui Public Housing in Seodaemun-gu. Discussions on establishing facilities positively in Jung-gu and other areas are also ongoing.’,
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, ‘An official from the Seoul Metropolitan City mentioned, “Starting from 2022, the plan is to establish one center for youth spaces per district after setting the policy to restructure youth spaces at the city level,” adding, “As the demand for spaces that young people can use is increasing, we will make efforts to expand related facilities.”‘,
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