CHEONAN, SOUTH KOREA  – Cheonan City has announced the commencement of the '2025 Cheonan City Youth Policy Idea Contest,' a significant initiative aimed at fostering greater civic engagement among its young populace and harnessing their innovative ideas for the city's future development. The call for submissions, which began on May 1st, will remain open until June 9th, inviting individuals aged 18 to 39 who either reside in or actively contribute to the Cheonan community to participate.

The contest seeks to tap into the perspectives of young adults on a range of critical urban development areas, including employment opportunities, educational advancements, housing solutions, and the enhancement of welfare and cultural infrastructure. This broad scope reflects Cheonan's commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing its younger generation. By actively involving youth in the policy-making process, the city aims to cultivate a more inclusive and responsive governance framework.

Prospective participants are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate not only creativity and originality but also practical feasibility and potential for tangible impact. The evaluation process will be rigorous, with submissions assessed against five key criteria: the practicality of implementation, the novelty of the concept, its potential for efficiency or economic benefit, the sustainability of the proposed policy, and the breadth of its applicability across the city.

A distinguished Proposal Review Committee, comprising experts and relevant stakeholders, will undertake the crucial task of evaluating the submitted ideas, following an initial review by the pertinent municipal departments. The selection process will culminate in the identification of six outstanding proposals that best address the needs and aspirations of Cheonan's youth while aligning with the city's strategic objectives.

The rewards for the winning entries underscore the city's commitment to valuing and recognizing the contributions of its young citizens. The top proposal will be honored with the prestigious Cheonan Mayor's Award and a monetary prize of 1,000,000 Korean Won (approximately $750 USD). Two runner-up proposals will each receive an Excellence Award along with 500,000 KRW (approximately $375 USD), while three additional promising ideas will be acknowledged with an Encouragement Award, each accompanied by a prize of 200,000 KRW (approximately $150 USD).

The application process has been streamlined for ease of access, with interested individuals able to submit their proposals conveniently through the Cheonan City Contest website. The city has also made comprehensive information regarding the contest guidelines and eligibility criteria readily available on the websites of Cheonan City, the Cheonan Youth Center 'Ieum,' and the Cheonan Youth Portal 'Damoa.' For those seeking further clarification or assistance, the Cheonan City Youth Policy Division's Youth Policy Team can be contacted directly at 041-521-3703.

Han Mi-soon, the Head of Cheonan City's Youth Policy Division, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "We anticipate that this contest will serve as a vibrant platform for our young people to contribute their diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. Cheonan City is dedicated to actively incorporating the valuable insights garnered from this process to formulate and implement policies that genuinely resonate with and benefit our youth."

This proactive approach by Cheonan City reflects a growing recognition among municipalities in South Korea of the importance of engaging younger generations in shaping their communities. By providing a direct avenue for youth to influence policy, Cheonan aims to foster a stronger sense of ownership and investment in the city's future, ultimately contributing to its long-term prosperity and vitality. The results of this contest are eagerly awaited, with the expectation that they will yield fresh and impactful ideas to enhance the lives of young people in Cheonan.