The "2026 Peak Time Festival," a nationwide celebration designed for young people to connect, communicate, and enjoy their time to the fullest, concluded with immense success in the Gongju region of Chungcheongnam-do.

Hosted by Chungcheongnam-do on September 12 at the Geumgang Shingwan Park area in Gongju, the 4th National Youth Festival provided a much-needed break from daily routines for young participants, offering them a space to rest, communicate, and discover new possibilities. Under the theme "ON-jehan Na, Turning on My Time," the festival focused on helping youth concentrate on themselves and fully enjoy the present moment through a comprehensive array of programs spanning performances, interactive experiences, employment, and entrepreneurship.

A significant highlight of this year’s event was the active participation of a 15-member "Festival Planning Unit," composed of young individuals from four cities and provinces in the Chungcheong region. From the early stages of planning, these young organizers contributed their ideas regarding theme selection, program structuring, and spatial layout, ensuring that the festival was genuinely built by and for the youth.

The festival grounds buzzed with vibrant energy as local youth artists delivered captivating performances across various genres, including indie rock, jazz, traditional Korean music, and popera. A particularly popular segment was the youth talk and counseling session titled "How is Defconn?" where comedians Cho Su-yeon and Shin Yun-seung shared personal stories and listened to the concerns of the younger generation. The excitement peaked during the music festival, which featured stellar performances by acclaimed artists such as Oohyo, Kwon Jin-ah, N.Flying, and Car the Garden, who breathed life into the venue and connected deeply with the audience.

The grand finale of the festival featured the official proclamation ceremony of Gongju as a Youth-Friendly City, accompanied by a breathtaking drone light show that illuminated the night skies over the Geumgang River, leaving an unforgettable impression on all attendees.

Beyond entertainment, the festival served as a practical hub for future preparation. Over 100 experiential and promotional booths covering employment, entrepreneurship, youth policies, and artificial intelligence provided essential resources and information. In conjunction with the main event, the "Job Planning Day" linked young job seekers with HR professionals and mentors from major corporations and public institutions, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). This program allowed youths to gain valuable career advice, share experiences, and utilize employment support services such as AI aptitude testing.

Moreover, a future-tech zone allowed participants to experience metaverse, virtual reality, and AI robotic hands firsthand, offering a close-up look at changing employment landscapes and cutting-edge technologies. The Youth Entrepreneurship Pavilion showcased unique products and services created by local startups, allowing visitors to experience, taste, and purchase items, thereby highlighting the diverse potentials of youth-led businesses.

The festival also embraced inclusivity and global solidarity by operating an information booth for foreign youth support policies and sending messages of comfort and solidarity to Nepali youth affected by flood disasters, underscoring the spirit of coexistence.

Designed as a regional partnership festival, the event connected the main venue with various spots across Gongju to maximize visitor engagement. It linked with local events such as the "Baromarket" featuring Gongju agricultural products, a book festival and book fair, and "Oh My God Jung-go-je." Free shuttle buses running between the venue and the old downtown area enabled participants to explore Gongju’s rich culture and local attractions easily.

To ensure a safe and pleasant environment, the provincial government deployed safety personnel to high-density zones, established cooperative networks with police and fire authorities, and maintained emergency medical systems including standby ambulances and fire trucks. Additional conveniences, such as shaded rest areas and mobile drinking fountains, along with the use of reusable items and automated washing cups, highlighted the event's commitment to eco-friendly operations.

Attending the Youth-Friendly City proclamation ceremony, Governor Park Soo-hyun emphasized the importance of systemic support: "Rather than empty words telling young people to cheer up, we must build a society where they can truly rest when they are tired. What our exhausted youth need amidst fierce competition is a practical social safety net." He added, "Chungcheongnam-do, centered around the youth-friendly city of Gongju, will create a society where failure becomes a stepping stone to success and resting does not mean falling behind. I hope our naturally beautiful and wonderful young people will live according to their own unique schedules."

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