1. Study Objectives and Method

▮ Background and Objectives

￮ (Background) The existing youth centers have major problems such as serious aging of the buildings and facilities, limitations that fail to reflect paradigm shifts in education and youth policy following changes of the times and society around youth, and accommodating the ever-increasing needs and demands of today’s youth

￮ (Objectives) Thus, this study aims to present future directions for operation of youth cultural complex centers based on the needs and demands of the youth and youth center workers in order to reflect the needs and demands of youth in line with rapid changes of the times and society and to address the inter-regional differences in cultural and educational settings for youth

▮ Methods

￮ First, we reviewed relevant literature as well as administrative materials and data, including policy research reports, articles in academic journals, and statistics on policy trends. Second, we analyzed youth and school-age population status and youth cultural behavior using information from the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), Jeollabuk-do Social Survey (2021), National Leisure Activities Survey by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (2022), and Korean Educational Statistics Service (2022). Third, we conducted an online survey and in-depth interviews with youth who are users of community youth centers as well as with youth center staff and stakeholders.

2. Conclusion and Policy Suggestion

▮ Concept of the Jeonbuk Youth Cultural Complex Centers

￮ The centers serve as the main facility for community youth activities, embodying the modern-day needs of society, regional characteristics, and the diverse demands of youth. Also, the centers are a place where two or more youth demand-oriented functions, roles and spaces are connected and integrated, allowing the youth to develop capabilities in preparation for the future through carrying out various activities in one place.

▮ Details of the Needs of Youth Cultural Complex Centers from the Perspectives of the Users for Each Area of Relevance

￮ (Space configuration, facilities and equipment) Spaces for rest/well-being, play/leisure, and school assignments/learning support, as well as related equipment (color printers, photocopiers, desktop computers, tablets, etc.); spaces dedicated to digital and media functions and facilities to help prepare youth for Industry 4.0 and next-generation technology; spaces for cultural, artistic, and creative activities and sports ; expanded spaces for small-scale self-governing activities and club activities; and spaces incorporating regional characteristics and for running specialized programs.

￮ (Demands for area-specific activities and programs) Expanded implementation of activities, experiences, and programs related to career exploration, occupations, and aptitude, expanding a range of experiential activities and programs related to future technology and prospective occupations related to the 4th Industrial Revolution, expansion and improvement in self-governing activities and club activities, and expanding the variety of activities for leisure time and hobbies as well as those activities youth are unlikely to experience at home or in the school environment. 

▮ Direction for Operation of the Jeonbuk Youth Cultural Complex Centers

￮ (Basic direction) Operation of the Jeonbuk Youth Cultural Complex Centers should aim for the following : reducing interregional gaps and expanding regional specialization; consideration of enhancing accessibility, convenience, and effectiveness for youth in the region; ensuring youth’s rights to participate in activities and accommodating their diverse needs and demands as they arise; enhancing capabilities of young people in preparation for the future and nurturing talents; functioning as a hub and base for community youth activities and expanding the scope of people subject to the policy of using the center; and developing connections with related organizations and resources in the local community and organizing into systems.

￮ (Considerations for a transition into the youth cultural complex centers) The following matters need to be taken into consideration: Exploring strategies for sustainable use as well as promoting the use of youth cultural complex centers (key factors include the right mindset and enthusiasm from the director of the youth cultural complex center and youth workers, expertise and capabilities of youth workers, and financial support for maintenance and repair costs of the facilities and equipment), increasing promotion of the youth cultural complex centers and changing the name or coining a new name into youth-friendly terms, building new youth facilities in addition to the existing youth centers and expansion of autonomy of local governments, and ensuring balanced and synergistic growth of 14 community youth centers in cities and counties of Jeollabuk-do in addition to the five youth cultural complex centers.

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