the government has announced a significant expansion of policies to support the lives of young people in 2026. A range of measures have been put in place to support young people across their lifecycle, including jobs, asset building, housing, health, and culture. From increasing the Jobseeker's Allowance to creating the Young People's Future Savings Fund, there are many changes that young people can actually feel. Let's take a closer look at the key features of the 2026 youth support policies by area.
table of contents
- how will youth job support be strengthened?
- a new savings program to build youth assets
- how to reduce the cost of living, from housing to transportation
- more support for youth health and well-being
- more opportunities for youth policy engagement
- frequently asked questions
how will youth job supports be strengthened?
get labor advice around the clock
the Department of Employment and Labor offers a 24-hour AI labor law advice service for young adults. you can get free advice on all aspects of labor law, such as wage arrears, working hours, unemployment benefits, and workplace harassment, at any time of the day or night. Even if you have questions late at night or on the weekend, you can get answers immediately.
national Employment Support Program subsidy increased to 600,000 won
the job search subsidy for young adults earning up to 120% of the median income will be increased to 600,000 won. more importantly, the system will be reformed to allow voluntary job changers to receive job search benefits once in their lifetime, providing a safety net for young people who are considering changing jobs.
expanding work experience and training opportunities
the number of internships, work experience, and training programs at companies will increase significantly. central government and public organizations will also create more places for young people to gain practical experience. the First Steps to Jobs campaign will create an environment where young people can learn and grow on the job.
supporting AI training for military personnel
we will provide online AI training to all 470,000 military personnel to increase their employability after leaving the military. they can receive up to 64,000 won per year for e-book subscriptions and purchases, allowing them to utilize their military service as a time for self-development.
significantly strengthening startup support
new AI and deep tech majors will be offered at youth entrepreneurship academies nationwide. startups in new industries will also receive income tax and corporate tax breaks. There will also be a dedicated track for young people who have gone out of business and a one-stop support center for startups, where they can get legal, tax, and management consultations in one place.
support for artists and localized youth
The K-ART Young Creators Support Program has been newly established, allowing young artists to receive KRW 9 million per year in creative support. young people who want to settle in rural areas or fishing villages will be provided with customized farmland and housing space, and the Youth Sea Village project for young fishermen will be expanded.
up to KRW 7.2 million in longevity incentives for local employment
if you work for a non-metropolitan SME for at least two years, you will receive a longevity incentive of up to 4.8 million won. In depopulated areas, the incentive will be up to 7.2 million won, making it a great opportunity for young people considering a stable career in the region.
new savings program for young adults to build assets
save money with the Youth Future Savings Fund
young adults with an annual income of 60 million won or less can join the Youth Future Savings Fund. if you save 500,000 won per month for three years, the government will match up to 12% of your savings. Upon maturity, you can receive about 20.8 million won for the general type and about 22 million won for new employees of SMEs. it is a program that provides practical help to young people who have difficulty making money.
tomorrow's Savings for Entry-level Military Officers
entry-level military officers can save 300,000 won per month and the government will match 100% of their savings. by the end of three years, they can save up to KRW 23 million, providing a solid foundation for their entry into society after military service.
support for the first National Pension contribution
when young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 enroll in the National Pension for the first time, the government pays their first premium. this program makes it easier for young adults who have been hesitant to enroll in a pension to start preparing for their retirement.
from housing to transportation, here's how to reduce the cost of living
make rent assistance permanent
we will provide rent support of up to 200,000 won per month to low-income young adults without housing. the support will be expanded in stages so that more young adults can ease the burden of housing costs. There will also be a youth housing counseling center where they can receive education on rental fraud prevention, public housing information, and real estate contract counseling.
increase in National Scholarships by up to 400,000 won
the amount of support for National Scholarships 1-8 will be increased by up to 400,000 won compared to the previous year. post-employment repayment student loans will be expanded to all current students, significantly reducing the burden of tuition.
cheap breakfast and hearty lunch
the number of people eligible for the Cheonwon breakfast program will increase from 4.5 million to 5.4 million. small and medium-sized business workers in depopulated areas will be able to receive 20% of their lunch expenses, up to a maximum of 40,000 won per month. This is a real benefit that can help them save on their daily food expenses.
new public transportation pass
for 55,000 won per month, young adults can use unlimited public transportation up to a maximum of 200,000 won per month. The flat pass, which includes GTX and local buses, will cost 90,000 won per month. This will significantly reduce the burden of commuting transportation costs.
expanded Youth Culture and Arts Pass
the age of eligibility has been expanded to 19-20 years old, and non-capital area youth can receive up to 200,000 won. movie viewing will also be added to the list of uses, enriching your cultural life.
expanded support for youth health and well-being
enhanced support for youth mental health
the list of mental health screenings for young adults will be expanded, and the frequency of screenings will be shortened from 10 years to 2 years. An accessible counseling system via social media and phone will be established to prevent crises at an early stage.
early detection of isolated and reclusive youth
utilize public data to identify young adults at risk of isolation or seclusion at an early stage. provide customized counseling and connect with various policies such as the Youth Challenge Support Project to help them recover their daily lives.
considering separate payment for independent young adults
we are considering a plan to provide a separate livelihood benefit to independent young adults aged 19 to 29 who live separately from their parents who are basic income recipients. this is a measure to support the practical livelihood security of independent young adults.
more opportunities for youth policy participation
strengthening national dialogue platforms
we will strengthen the operation of the National Dialogue Platform to discuss key national issues such as youth policy, jobs, and national pensions. this means that young people will have more opportunities to voice their opinions and have them reflected in policy.
expanded youth policy participation mechanisms
six subcommittees and a 60-member specialized committee will be established under the Youth Coordination Committee. young people can directly participate in the process of proposing and formulating policies.
upgrading the Ontong Youth Platform
a customized policy recommendation service using AI and big data will be introduced to the online integrated platform, Ontong Youth. it will be easier and faster to find the benefits you are eligible for. Local youth support centers will also be reorganized to increase offline accessibility.
expanded youth-friendly city designations
three youth-friendly cities will be designated each year to help young people settle in the region and provide administrative and financial support for youth policy operations. youth village projects will also be expanded nationwide, and young people will have the opportunity to participate in community recovery activities, such as restoring disaster areas after wildfires.
frequently Asked Questions
can anyone join the Youth Future Savings Plan?
any young adult with an annual income of 60 million won or less can join. if you save 500,000 won per month for three years, the government will match up to 12% of your savings, giving you about 20.8 million won for the general type and about 22 million won for new employees of SMEs.
how do I apply for the National Employment Support System job search subsidy?
you can apply if you fall below 120% of the median income, and from 2026, the subsidy will increase to 600,000 won. the system will also be reformed to allow voluntary job changers to receive the benefit once in their lifetime.
what are the requirements for rent support for young adults?
low-income young adults without housing are eligible and can receive up to 200,000 won per month in rent support. the program will be expanded in phases.
how do I get a public transportation pass?
for 55,000 won per month, young adults can use public transportation for unlimited rides up to a maximum of 200,000 won. A flat pass that includes GTX and local buses costs 90,000 won per month.
where can I find information about the youth policy?
you can access customized policy recommendations based on AI and big data on the online integrated platform OntongYouth. you can also visit your local youth support center for detailed consultation.
in 2026, young people's lives will change
the 2026 Youth Support Policy focuses on providing practical support for young people in all aspects of their lives, from jobs to housing, health, and asset building. there are many tangible policies, such as the Youth Future Savings Account, reforms to the National Employment Support System, permanent rent support, and public transportation passes, so be sure to check out and apply for the benefits you need.
which one do you think will help you the most? Share your questions and experiences in the comments. and don't forget to subscribe and set up alerts for more great youth policy news.