○ Around 200 young participants active in 14 cities across 13 countries attended; awards presented to outstanding participants
○ Performance highlight videos, exemplary project presentations, and special lectures featured
Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Business and Science Accelerator (GBSA) held the performance-sharing event for the 2025 Gyeonggi Youth Overseas Employment and Entrepreneurship Expansion Program, Gyeongcheong Stars, at Gwanggyo Hall of GBSA on January 15. The event brought together around 200 young participants who had completed their overseas assignments, providing a platform to share outcomes and exchange experiences.

Gyeongcheong Stars is a program designed to offer young people in the province hands-on experience at overseas companies and opportunities for career exploration. In 2025, a total of 200 participants took part across 14 cities in 13 countries. Participants engaged in practical language training, on-site internships, mentoring, and visits to overseas exhibitions in countries including the United States, Japan, India, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Canada. The program recorded an average competition rate of 4.9 to 1.

Five outstanding participants who were active in Uzbekistan presented the results of their analysis of the local convenience store market. They proposed the concept of a “K-culture experience convenience store,” which would introduce Korean-style convenience stores while incorporating localized food options. Targeting K-pop and K-wave fans, middle-class office workers, and university students and young adults, the concept envisions a space where customers can enjoy simple Korean meals such as gimbap and bulgogi rice bowls while also experiencing Korean culture-related products, thus offering a strong competitive edge in the market.

An outstanding participant from Taiwan shared that the program helped clarify the goal of becoming a global marketer. Through meetings with local companies and KOTRA officials, the participant gained firsthand insight into the differences in language, culture, and work styles and the competencies required for global roles.

“My experience in Taiwan gave me a realistic sense of what it means to work beyond borders,” the participant said. “What once felt unfamiliar and abstract now feels like a real option I can challenge myself to pursue.”

Five participants who took part in the program in India presented short-form videos showcasing their activities, including visits to game companies, as well as their reflections on the experiences.

Participants also took time to reflect on their journey through interactive booths including a “time capsule” program that revisited letters they had written to themselves, offering a moment to look back on personal growth. Meanwhile, the operator of the YouTube channel “Culture and Arts for You” delivered a special lecture, sharing practical advice and messages of hope for young people on entrepreneurship, challenge, and resilience.

Building on the outcomes of this year’s program, Gyeonggi Province plans to continue providing robust support in 2026 so that more young people can strengthen their capabilities in a global environment. The province will maintain tailored overseas programs for youth while expanding employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

“The achievements made by young people who faced challenges in unfamiliar settings go beyond mere experience and serve as valuable assets that illuminate their future,” said Kim Dae-soon, Second Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs of Gyeonggi Province. “Gyeonggi Province will continue providing young people with opportunities to take on challenges in a wider world.”