Samcheok Responds to Youth Population Decline by Raising Age Threshold (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SAMCHEOK, South Korea, July 17 (Korea Bizwire) — In a move aimed at addressing demographic challenges and extending the reach of youth-focused policies, the city of Samcheok in Gangwon Province has officially expanded its definition of “youth” to include individuals up to 49 years old.
The revised regulation, enacted in May through an amendment to the city’s Basic Ordinance on Youth Support, raises the eligible age range from 18–45 to 18–49. The change aligns with trends in other municipalities across the province and reflects growing concerns over the steady decline in the region’s younger population.
As a result, the number of residents classified as youth in Samcheok has increased by 3,140—from 16,169 to 19,309—raising their proportion of the city’s total population from 26% to 31%.
Starting next year, the city plans to incorporate the updated age range into its budget and program planning, ensuring that more residents qualify for employment, housing, and social engagement initiatives targeted at younger demographics.
“This expansion will help strengthen youth rights and increase participation in community life,” said Shim Chun-ja, head of the city’s economic department. “We will continue to develop practical, targeted policies to support our young people.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
