FRAMEWORK ACT ON YOUTH

Article 1(Purpose) #

The purpose of this Act is to prescribe the rights and responsibilities of youth and the responsibilities of families, the society, the State and local governments for youth, and to formulate the fundamental matters concerning youth policies. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 2(Fundamental ideas) #

(1) The fundamental ideas of this Act are to ensure the fair treatment and rights and interests of youth as members of the society, to help them think for themselves, freely act and enjoy their better lives and to protect them from a harmful environment in order for them to grow up as sound and democratic citizens who are needed by the State and the society.

(2) The long-term and comprehensive youth policies which aim to realize the fundamental ideals referred to in paragraph (1) shall be implemented in line with the implementation direction containing the following matters: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015>

1. Guaranteeing youth's participation;

2. Leading active lives of youth based on their creativity and autonomy;

3. Improving the conditions for youth's growth and social environment of youth;

4. Improving the quality of youth in order to prepare for a democratic, welfare, and unified Korea.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 3(Definitions) #

The terms used in this Act are defined as follows:

1. The term "youth" means a young male and female older than 9 years old and younger than 24 years old; provided, where other statutes require a different definition of youth, they may be defined separately;

2. The term "nurturing youth" means supporting activities of youth, upgrading the welfare of youth, protecting working youth, improving social conditions and environment in order for them to be beneficial to youth, and protecting youth, supplementing education for youth in order to ensure their balanced growth;

3. The term "youth activities" means activities necessary to ensure the balanced growth of youth and other various activities such as training activities, exchange activities and cultural activities;

4. The term "youth welfare" means creating fundamental conditions for youth to lead their normal lives and providing social and economic support for youth in order for them to grow up and develop harmoniously;

5. The term "youth protection" means regulating environment harmful to youth, which includes materials, goods, places, and acts, etc. harmful to the healthy growth of youth or restricting their contacts with and their access to youth;

6. The term "youth establishment" means any establishment used to facilitate activities, welfare and protection of youth;

7. The term "certified youth leaders" means any of the following persons:

a. Certified youth guiders provided for in Article 21;

b. Certified youth counselors provided for in Article 22;

c. Persons who are involved in business necessary for nurturing youth in youth establishments, youth organizations and youth-related institutions;

8. The term "youth organizations" means any juristic person established mainly for the purpose of nurturing youth or any organizations designated by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 4(Relationship to other statutes) #

(1) This Act shall precede other Acts in the application to nurturing youth.

(2) When any Act concerning nurturing youth is enacted or amended, such enactment and amendment shall be made in conformity with the purport of this Act.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 5(Rights and responsibilities of youth) #

(1) The fundamental human rights of youth shall be respected in all spheres of youth activities, youth welfare, youth protection, and nurturing youth.

(2) No youth shall be subject to any form of discrimination on the basis of his or her race, religion, gender, age, academic background, physical conditions, etc.

(3) Youth shall have the right to freely express their opinions and make their own decisions while disregarding external influences.

(4) Youth shall hold the rights to pursue self-development in a safe and pleasant environment and to protect them from all kinds of environment that are feared to harm mentally and physically their health.

(5) Youth shall endeavor to develop their abilities and establish a sound sense of values and also work to fulfill their responsibilities as members of the family, the society, and the State.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 5-2(Expansion of youth autonomy) #

(1) All youth shall have the right to participate in decision-making related to them as legitimate members of society.

(2) The State and local governments shall allow youth to participate in procedures, such as consultations and deliberations on youth-related policies or seek their opinions in order to ensure that youth can efficiently access relevant information and express their opinions, and may include youth in organizing and operating committees or councils for deliberations, consultation, and coordination on youth-related policies. <Amended on Dec. 12, 2017>

(3) The State and local governments shall take measures guaranteeing youth's participation or seeking their opinions in procedures for formulating youth-related policies.

(4) The State and local governments shall operate a Committee for Youth Participation composed of youth, in order to seek youth’s opinions in and encourage their participation in the process for formulating and implementing youth-related policies. <Added on Dec. 12, 2017>

(5) The State and local governments shall make utmost efforts to ensure that suggestions from the Committee for Youth Participation prescribed in paragraph (4) can be reflected in the process for formulating and implementing youth-related policies. <Added on Dec. 12, 2017>

(6) Matters necessary for organizing and operating the Committee for Youth Participation prescribed in paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Dec. 12, 2017>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 6(Responsibilities of families) #

(1) All families shall recognize the primary responsibilities regarding nurturing youth, and work to help youth develop themselves based on their personalities and qualities and grow up as the next generation who will be able to fulfill their responsibilities as members of the society and the State with warm love and care.

(2) All families shall work positively to raise youth's right by such activities as participating with them in education programs provided by schools and youth-related institutions, etc.

(3) All families shall make necessary endeavors to protect youth from harmful environment to youth, such as blocking of contact with harmful media products using information and communication networks.

(4) Where a youth runs away from home or commits delinquencies due to indifference, negligence, suppression, or violence of his family, a person with parental authority or a person who protects the youth on behalf of the person with parental authority shall bear the responsibility of protecting the youth.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 7(Responsibilities of society) #

(1) All people shall help youth lead pleasant activities in their daily lives and enjoy the pleasure of living together with others.

(2) All people shall recognize the characteristics of youth's thinking and behavior patterns and understand and instruct them with love and communication, and they shall not spare effort to properly guide youth by, for example, remedying delinquencies of youth.

(3) No people shall perform any act that harms the mental and physical health of youth in any place used by youth or easily accessible to youth, and they shall endeavor to eliminate any harmful environmental factors and to create a desirable environment for youth.

(4) All people shall endeavor to pay special attention to economically, socially, culturally, and mentally distressed youth and help them lead better lives.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 8(Responsibilities of the State and local governments) #

(1) The State and local governments shall develop and implement legal and institutional mechanisms necessary for nurturing youth.

(2) The State and local governments shall establish policy measures necessary for specially protecting working youth and having labor by youth to be beneficial to their balanced growth and development.

(3) The State and local governments shall create conditions necessary for families and the society to fulfill their responsibilities for youth.

(4) The State and local governments shall develop and implement policy steps necessary to stably secure financial resources needed to perform the work under this Act.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 8-2(Education and publicity) #

(1) The State and local governments shall publicize and provide education on matters concerning the rights of youth provided in this Act and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

(2) To protect the rights and interests of working youth, the State and local governments shall provide youth with education and consultation necessary for the rights, etc. of working youth prescribed in the Labor Standards Act, etc., and shall actively publicize policies for protecting the labor rights and interests of youth. <Added on Mar. 2, 2016>

(3) Every youth-related institution and youth organization shall take educational measures concerning the rights of youth for youth. <Amended on Mar. 2, 2016>

[This Article Added on Feb. 1, 2012]

[Title Amended on Mar. 2, 2016]

Article 9(Overall control and coordination of youth policies) #

The Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall exercise overall control over and coordinate youth policies after consultation with the heads of related administrative agencies. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

[Title Amended on Feb. 3, 2015]

Article 10(Committee for Youth Policies) #

(1) A Committee for Youth Policies shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family assigned to deliberate on and adjust major matters on youth policies. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Committee for Youth Policies shall deliberate on and adjust the following matters:

1. Formulation of a master plan for nurturing youth prescribed in Article 13(1);

2. Major youth policy measures for each sector;

3. Institutional improvement for youth policies;

4. Analysis and evaluation of youth policies;

5. Adjustment of youth policies related to at least two administrative agencies;

6. Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are necessary for formulating and implementing youth policies.

(3) The Committee for Youth Policies shall be comprised of up to 30 members including one chairperson. In such cases, members who are commissioned under paragraph (4)15 and 16 shall be at least one fifth of the total number of members. <Amended on Dec. 18, 2018>

(4) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall be the chairperson, and any of the following persons shall be a member. In such cases, a vice minister appointed by the head of a relevant agency shall be a member, if the agency has at least two vice ministers: <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Dec. 18, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. The Vice Minister of Finance and Economy;

2. The Vice Minister of Science and ICT;

3. Vice Minister of Education;

4. The Vice Minister of Unification;

5. The Vice Minister of Justice;

6. The Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety;

7. The Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

8. The Vice Minister of Trade and Industry;

9. The Vice Minister of Health and Welfare;

10. The Vice Minister of Employment and Labor;

11. The Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups;

11-2. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget;

12. The Vice Chairperson of the Korea Media and Communications Commission;

13. The Commissioner of the National Police Agency;

14. Other vice minister or vice ministerial-level public official of a relevant central administrative agency prescribed by Presidential Decree;

15. A person commissioned by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who has extensive knowledge of and experience in youth policies;

16. Youths commissioned by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, from among youths with ample performance, etc. relating to youth policies.

(5) Each member falling under (4) 15 and 16 shall hold office for a term of two years. <Amended on Dec. 18, 2018>

(6) A Working Committee for Youth Policies shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Committee for Youth Policies in order to support its operation by pre-examining matters to be deliberated on or adjusted by the Committee for Youth Policies and by handling delegated matters, etc.

(7) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (6), matters necessary for the composition and operation of the Committee for Youth Policies and the Working Committee for Youth Policies, criteria for commissioning, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 18, 2018>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 3, 2015]

Article 11(Establishment of local committee for nurturing youth) #

(1) A local committee for nurturing youth mandated to deliberate on major policies of the relevant local government in regard to nurturing youth shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, the Mayor of a Special Self-Governing City, a Do Governor, the Governor of a Special Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor") and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (referring to the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply).

(2) Matters necessary for the composition, organization, operation, etc. of a local committee for nurturing youth shall be prescribed by municipal ordinances.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 12(Holding of youth special meetings) #

(1) The State shall hold youth special meetings each year with experts in the field of youth and youth attending for setting, implementing and inspecting youth policies on a government-wide scale. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015>

(2) Details, such as persons to attend youth special meetings and its operation methods, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 13(Formulation of master plans for nurturing youth) #

(1) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall formulate a master plan for nurturing youth (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") every five years after consultation with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies and deliberation by the Committee for Youth Policies under Article 10. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015; Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The master plans shall include the following matters:

1. The analysis and evaluation of the previous basic policy;

2. The basic direction of nurturing youth;

3. The goal of nurturing youth;

4. The coordination of the function of nurturing youth;

5. The major policy of nurturing youth by field;

6. Methods of securing financial resources necessary for nurturing youth;

7. Other matters that are recognized as being specially necessary for nurturing youth.

(3) After formulating a master plan, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall, without delay, report such plan to the competent standing committee of the National Assembly. <Added on May 19, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 14(Formulation of annual implementation plans) #

(1) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, and the heads of local governments shall formulate and implement annual implementation plans (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plan") based on the master plan. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the heads of local governments shall submit implementation plans for the following year as well as performance records based on implementation plans for the previous year to the Minister of Gender Equality and Family each year, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall analyze and evaluate the performance records based on implementation plans for the previous year, and notify the heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the heads of local governments of the results thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, and the heads of local governments shall reflect the results of analysis and evaluation under paragraph (3) in the implementation plans for the following year. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) If necessary to analyze and evaluate the performance records under paragraph (3), the Minister of Gender Equality and Family may designate a national or public research institute or a government-funded research institute under the Act on the Establishment, Operation and Fostering of Government-Funded Research Institutes as a specialized support institution for analysis and evaluation of youth policies assigned to support analysis and evaluation affairs. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(6) Matters necessary for the formulation of implementation plans, the analysis and evaluation of performance records, the designation of a specialized support institution referred to in paragraph (5), and other matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 3, 2015]

Article 15(Cooperation in formulating plans) #

(1) If deemed necessary to formulate and implement the master plan and the implementation plans, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, and the heads of local governments may request cooperation from the heads of relevant institutions, juristic persons and organizations. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015; Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Persons who are asked to cooperate in accordance with paragraph (1) shall comply with such request unless any special circumstances exist.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 15-2(Fact-finding surveys) #

(1) For the efficient formulation of youth policies such as master plans, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall conduct a fact-finding survey on the consciousness, attitude, life, etc. of the youth and publish the results thereof every three years. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family may, if necessary for conducting fact-finding surveys prescribed in paragraph (1), request the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, the heads of local governments, or the heads of public institutions prescribed by the Act on the Management of Public Institutions, and the heads of other relevant corporations and organizations to present necessary materials or make a statement of opinions. In such cases, any person who receives a request shall render cooperation therefor, unless there is good cause. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Matters necessary for the objects, methods, procedures, publication of results, etc. of fact-finding surveys prescribed in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Added on Dec. 27, 2022]

Article 16(Youth month) #

May of every year shall be designated as the youth month in order to inspire the spontaneous and independent master consciousness of youth and to create an atmosphere where all people participate in nurturing youth.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 16-2 #

Deleted. <Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 16-3 #

Deleted. <Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 16-4 #

Deleted. <Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 16-5 #

Deleted. <Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 16-6 #

Deleted. <Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 16-7 #

Deleted. <Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 16-8 #

Deleted. <Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 17(Categories of youth establishments) #

Matters concerning establishments used for youth activities, establishments used for youth welfare, and establishments used for the youth protection shall be prescribed separately by statute.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 18(Installation and operation of youth establishments) #

(1) The State and local governments shall install and operate youth establishments.

(2) Anyone other than the State and local governments may install and operate youth establishments as separately prescribed by statute.

(3) The State and local governments may commission youth organizations to operate youth establishments installed in accordance with paragraph (1).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 19(Instruction and supervision of youth establishments) #

The State and local governments may provide necessary instruction and supervision of youth establishments in order to ensure the people's trust in the appropriateness, public nature and safety of such youth establishments and to support their installation and operation.

Article 20(Training of certified youth leaders) #

(1) The State and local governments shall take policy steps necessary to train certified youth leaders and upgrade their qualities.

(2) The basic direction-setting of training certified youth leaders and of improving their qualities, and details of such basic direction-setting under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 21(Certified youth guiders) #

(1) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall grant the qualifications as certified youth guiders to persons who have passed the qualification examination for certified youth guiders and completed the training courses conducted by any certified youth guider training institution. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) No person shall lend or borrow a qualification certificate issued under paragraph (1) to another person, or arrange such lending. <Added on May 19, 2020>

(3) If it is deemed necessary to train persons who have passed the qualification examination for certified youth guiders, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family may designate a certified youth guider training institution, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 19, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) None of the following persons shall be eligible to be a certified youth guider: <Amended on Jun. 22, 2015; May 19, 2020>

1. A minor, person under adult guardianship, or person under limited guardianship;

2. Deleted; <Apr. 29, 2025>

3. A person in whose case three years have not elapsed since his or her imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment declared by a court was completely executed or the non-execution of such sentence became final;

4. A person who is under suspension of the execution of his or her imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment declared by a court;

4-2. Notwithstanding subparagraphs 3 and 4, a person for whom a punishment or a sentence of medical treatment and custody was made final and conclusive for committing any of the following crimes, and 10 years have not passed since the execution of such punishment or medical treatment and custody was wholly or partially terminated (including where such execution is deemed terminated), suspended, or exempted:

a. Crimes provided in Article 71(1) of the Child Welfare Act;

b. Sexual crimes provided in Article 2 of the Act on Special Cases concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes;

c. Sex offenses against children or youth provided in subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sex Offenses;

5. A person whose qualification is forfeited or suspended by the judgment made by any court or by statute.

(5) No person falling under any subparagraph of paragraph (4) as of the date applicants passing the examination for certified youth guiders are announced shall apply for the qualification examination for certified youth guiders. <Added on May 19, 2020>

(6) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family may entrust the qualification examination under paragraph (1) to a youth organization or the Human Resources Development Service of Korea under the Human Resources Development Service of Korea Act, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Feb. 3, 2015; May 19, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

(7) Matters necessary matters for the ranks of certified youth guiders, the qualification examination for them, procedures for training and issuing certificates of qualifications, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015; May 19, 2020>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 21-2(Revocation of qualifications of certified youth guiders) #

(1) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall revoke the qualifications of a certified youth guider if he or she falls under any of the following cases: <Amended on Jun. 22, 2015; May 19, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Where he or she falls under grounds for disqualification referred to in Article 21(4);

2. Where he or she has acquired qualifications by fraud or other improper means;

3. Where he or she has lent his or her certificate of qualifications to a third person.

(2) Where the Minister of Environment intends to revoke the qualification under paragraph (1), he or she shall hold a hearing. <Added on May 19, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 21-3(Sanctions against cheaters) #

Where a person cheats in a qualification examination for certified youth guiders, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall suspend or invalidate the qualification examination, and suspend the person's eligibility to take a qualification examination for three years from the date such disposition is taken. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Added on Jun. 22, 2015]

Article 22(Certified youth counselors) #

(1) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family shall grant the qualifications as certified youth counselor to persons who have passed the qualification examination for certified youth counselor and completed the training courses conducted by any certified youth counselor training institution. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Articles 21 (2) through (7), 21-2, and 21-3 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the qualification examination, training, grounds for disqualification, etc. of certified youth counselors under paragraph (1). <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015; Jun. 22, 2015; May 19, 2020>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 23(Posting of certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors) #

(1) Youth establishments and youth organizations shall post certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors in charge of nurturing youth, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) The State and local governments may fully or partially subsidize expenses necessary for activities that are carried out by certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors who are posted to youth organizations or youth establishments in accordance with paragraph (1) within budgetary limits.

(3) The State and local governments shall endeavor to ensure that the remuneration level of certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors under paragraph (1) will reach that of public officials exclusively in charge of nurturing youth under Article 25. <Added on Feb. 3, 2015>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 24(Employment of certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors) #

(1) Schools under Article 9 of the Framework Act on Education (hereinafter referred to as "school") may employ certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors, if it is deemed necessary for them to perform the work involving nurturing youth.

(2) The State and local governments may fully or partially subsidize the remunerations and expenses necessary for employing certified youth guiders or certified youth counselors hired pursuant to paragraph (1).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 24-2(Refresher training for certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors) #

(1) Certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors who perform their duties at any youth establishment, youth organization, school, etc. shall undergo periodic refresher training to improve their qualities.

(2) No one who operates a youth establishment, youth organization, school, etc. shall give disadvantageous treatment to certified youth guiders and certified youth counselors working for such establishment, organization, school, etc. on the ground of the refresher training under paragraph (1).

(3) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family may entrust the refresher training under paragraph (1) to relevant institutions or organizations, as determined by Decree of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Matters necessary for the eligibility, period, details, and methods of, and procedures for the refresher training under paragraph (1), and entrustment under paragraph (3) and other matters shall be determined by Decree of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 25(Public officials exclusively in charge of nurturing youth) #

(1) Public officials exclusively in charge of nurturing youth may be posted to the Special Metropolitan City, a Metropolitan City, a Special Self-Governing City, a Do, a Special Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as "City/Do"), a Si/Gun/Gu (referring to an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply) and Eup/Myeon/Dong, or organizations that are exclusively in charge of nurturing youth provided for in Article 26.

(2) The public officials exclusively in charge of nurturing youth referred to in paragraph (1) shall have the qualifications of certified youth guiders or certified youth counselors.

(3) The public officials exclusively in charge of nurturing youth shall grasp the actual state of youth and certified youth leaders, etc. in their jurisdictional areas and render necessary guidance services.

(4) Administrative agencies concerned, youth organizations, and persons who have built and operated youth establishments shall cooperate with public officials exclusively in charge of nurturing youth in performing their official business.

(5) Matters necessary for the appointments of public officials exclusively in charge of nurturing youth, etc. referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by municipal ordinances.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 26(Establishment of organizations exclusively in charge of nurturing youth) #

(1) Organizations exclusively in charge of nurturing youth may be established in a City/Do and a Si/Gun/Gu in order to efficiently perform the work of nurturing youth.

(2) The scope of administrative affairs and the composition of the organizations exclusively in charge of nurturing youth under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by municipal ordinances.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 27(Youth guidance members) #

(1) The Mayor of a Special Self-Governing City, the Governor of a Special Self-Governing Province, and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall commission youth guidance members to take charge of nurturing youth.

(2) None of the persons falling under any subparagraph of Article 21(4) shall become youth guidance members. <Added on May 19, 2020>

(3) Where a youth guidance member falls under any subparagraph of Article 21(4), his or her qualification shall be forfeited. <Added on May 19, 2020>

(4) Mattes necessary for the qualifications of youth guidance members under paragraph (1) and procedures for commissioning them, etc. shall be prescribed by municipal ordinance. <Amended on May 19, 2020>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 28(Roles of youth organizations) #

(1) Youth organizations shall spare no effort to play the following roles:

1. The cultivation of skills and characters of youth through youth activities complementary to school education;

2. The improvement of youth's lives through the promotion of youth welfare;

3. The performance of the youth-protection work to protect youth from a harmful environment.

(2) Youth organizations shall actively reflect youth's opinions in carrying out the roles referred to in paragraph (1).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 28-2(Grounds for disqualification of executive officers of youth organizations) #

(1) The executive officers of youth organizations shall be an executive officer of juristic persons permitted for establishment by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family and a representative, manager, or other executive officer prescribed by regulations of the non-profit, non-governmental organizations registered under the Assistance for Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organizations Act. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) None of the following persons shall be eligible to be the executive officers of youth organizations: <Amended on Jun. 22, 2015; May 19, 2020; Mar. 26, 2024>

1. A person falling under any subparagraph of Article 21(4) (excluding subparagraph 4-2);

2. Deleted; <Jun. 22, 2015>

3. A person who commits the crimes referred to in Article 71 of the Child Welfare Act, Articles 40 through 42 of the Subsidy Management Act or Chapter 28 or 40 (excluding Article 360) of the Criminal Act or violates this law and falls under any of the following items, notwithstanding subparagraphs 1 and 2:

a. A person who was sentenced to imprisonment with labor and for whom seven years have not passed after the execution of such sentence was terminated (including cases deemed termination of execution) or the day when the execution of the sentence is exempted;

b. A person in whose case seven years have not passed since the suspension of the execution of his or her imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment declared by a court became final and conclusive;

c. A person in whose case five years have not passed since he or she was sentenced to a fine (including suspension of execution) of at least one million won and such sentence became final and conclusive;

4. A person who commits sexual crime under Article 2 of the Act on Special Cases concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (excluding paragraph (1)1) or sex offenses against children or youth under subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Act on Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Abuse and for whom ten years have not passed after the day when the execution of a penalty or medical treatment and custody is wholly or partially terminated (including cases deemed termination of execution) or such execution is suspended or exempted after his or her sentence of penalty or medical treatment and custody became definite, notwithstanding subparagraphs 1 through 3.

(3) Where the executive officer falls under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (2), his or her qualification shall be forfeited.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 28-3(Separate sentence for punishment of fines) #

Notwithstanding Article 38 of the Criminal Act, where any sentence of a fine is to be imposed on executive officers of youth organizations for concurrent crimes that involve a crime prescribed in Article 28-2(2)3 and any other crime, such crimes shall be sentenced non-concurrently.

[This Article Added on Apr. 17, 2018]

Article 29(Support for youth organizations) #

(1) The State and local governments may provide youth organizations with administrative support necessary to form them and carry out their activities and partially subsidize expenses incurred in operating them and carrying out their activities within budgetary limits.

(2) Schools and lifelong educational institutions defined in subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Lifelong Education Act may provide support and cooperation necessary for youth activities of youth organizations.

(3) Individuals, corporations, or organizations may contribute money and other property to youth organizations in order to support the operation of their establishments.

(4) Matters necessary for the scope of the support and the subsidies referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 30(For-profit business) #

(1) A youth organization may run the for-profit business related to nurturing youth, as prescribed by the articles of association.

(2) Matters necessary for the scope of the for-profit business under paragraph (1), the use of profits and other relevant matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 31 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 32 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 33 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 34 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 35 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 36 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 37 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 38 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 39 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 40(National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea) #

(1) Youth organizations may establish the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea after obtaining authorization thereof from the Minister of Gender Equality and Family in order to carry out the following activities with the aim of nurturing youth: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Cooperation with and support for projects and activities of member organizations;

2. Training for youth leaders and the advancement of their rights and interests;

3. Participation in activities carried out by international organizations in the field related to youth;

4. Exchanges with and support for foreign youth organizations;

5. Exchanges of and support for South-North Korean youth and overseas Korean youth;

6. Survey and research of, and support for, youth activities;

7. Publication of youth-related books and support for information thereon;

8. Public relations and campaigns aimed at nurturing youth;

9. Cooperation with and support for local youth organization councils referred to in Article 41;

10. Other projects necessary for nurturing youth.

(2) The National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea shall be a juristic person.

(3) The National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea shall come into existence by registration of incorporation at the seat of its head office.

(4) The provisions governing incorporated associations of the Civil Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea, except as otherwise provided in this Act.

(5) The State may subsidize expenses necessary for operation and activities of the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea.

(6) The National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea may run any for-profit business to the extent it does not undermine the purposes of its establishment, and profits accruing from such for-profit business shall not be used for any purpose other than for the operation of the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea or the operation of its establishments.

(7) Individuals, corporations, or organizations may contribute or donate money and other property to the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea in order to support the operation, projects, etc. of the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea.

(8) The National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea may commission part of the activities under paragraph (1) to its member organizations, as prescribed by the articles of association.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 41(Local Youth Organization Councils) #

(1) Youth organizations that carry out activities in specific areas may establish a local youth organization council for nurturing youth after obtaining authorization thereof from the Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by ordinance of the City/Do having jurisdiction over such areas.

(2) Local governments may wholly or partially support expenses necessary to operate local youth organization councils within budgetary limits.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 42 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 42-2 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 42-3 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 42-4 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 42-5 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 43 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 44 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 45 #

Deleted. <May 17, 2010>

Article 46 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 46-2 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 47(Support for youth activities) #

(1) The State and local governments shall support activities carried out by youth.

(2) Matters concerning the support for activities carried out by youth under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed separately by statute.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 48(Linkage with school education) #

(1) The State and local governments shall develop and implement policy steps to link youth activities with school education and lifelong education in order to raise educational effects.

(2) Where the Minister of Gender Equality and Family develops policy steps under paragraph (1), he or she shall consult thereabout with related institutions and hear experts' opinions thereabout. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Related institutions requested for consultations under paragraph (2) shall comply therewith unless special grounds exist.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 48-2(Support for after-school programs for youth) #

(1) The State and local governments shall establish a comprehensive support plan which provides various education, activity programs, etc. in order to support youth's holistic growth for hours during which they cannot be protected by regular school education.

(2) Matters necessary for establishing a comprehensive support plan under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 49(Improvement of youth welfare) #

(1) The State shall periodically survey matters concerning the consciousness, attitudes, lives, etc. of youth and, for the improvement thereof, develop and implement policies to enhance the welfare of youth.

(2) Where the State and local governments implement policy steps focused on the guarantee of basic lives, the training for vocational rehabilitation, the support for youth activities, etc., they shall give preferential consideration to youth in need of special mental, physical, economic, and social support.

(3) The State and local governments shall develop concrete policy steps to improve the quality of youth's lives.

(4) Matters referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be prescribed separately by statute.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 50 #

Deleted. <Feb. 1, 2012>

Article 51(Creation of environment beneficial to youth) #

(1) The State and local governments shall endeavor to create an environment in which youth are able to improve their information abilities.

(2) The State and local governments shall encourage the production and dissemination of media beneficial to youth and may provide anyone who produces or disseminates such media with support for covering expenses incurred in the production or dissemination thereof.

(3) The State and local governments shall endeavor to create a social and natural environment beneficial to youth, such as placing youth establishments in housing complexes.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 52(Regulation of environment harmful to youth) #

(1) The State and local governments shall prevent media, drugs, etc. harmful to youth from being distributed.

(2) The State and local governments shall prevent youth from frequenting business places harmful to them or from being employed by such places of business.

(3) The State and local governments shall protect and relieve youth from harmful acts, such as violence, abuses, sexual traffic, etc.

(4) Matters concerning the regulation of media, drugs, places of business, acts, etc. harmful to youth referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be prescribed separately by statute.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 52-2(Duty to report violations to protect working youth) #

(1) Where a person becomes aware of any violation of the Labor Standards Act, the Minimum Wage Act, or any other labor-related statute or regulation in relation to youth labor, he or she may report the violation to the Minister of Employment and Labor or to a labor inspector referred to in Article 101 of the Labor Standards Act.

(2) Where any of the following persons becomes aware of any violation of the Labor Standards Act, the Minimum Wage Act, or any other labor-related statute or regulation in relation to youth labor while performing his or her duties, he or she shall report the violation to the Minister of Employment and Labor or to a labor inspector referred to in Article 101 of the Labor Standards Act:

1. The head or employees of the hot line installed under Article 12(2) of the Youth Welfare Support Act, the Korea Youth Counseling and Welfare Development Institute established under Article 22 of that Act, a youth counseling and welfare center established under Article 29 of that Act, a Support Center for Youth with Immigrant Background established under Article 30 of that Act, or a youth welfare facility referred to in Article 31 of that Act;

2. The head or employees of a support center for out-of-school youth established under Article 12 of the Act on the Support for Out-of-School Youth;

3. The head or employees of a child welfare facility installed under Article 50 of the Child Welfare Act.

(3) No person shall reveal to another person, make public, or publish personal information on a reporting person referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) or the fact which helps identify the reporting person.

[This Article Added on Dec. 20, 2016]

Article 52-3(Support for protection of youth's labor rights and interests) #

The State and local governments may implement or support programs for the protection of the youth's labor rights and interests by, such as, helping to resolve unfair treatment of working youth.

[This Article Added on May 19, 2020]

Article 53(Establishment of fund) #

(1) The Fund for Nurturing Youth (hereinafter referred to as the "Fund") shall be set up in order to secure financial resources necessary for nurturing youth.

(2) The Fund shall be managed and operated by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) The Minister of Gender Equality and Family may commission the whole or part of the administrative affairs involving the management and operation of the Fund to any of the following institutions: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. The National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea referred to in Article 40;

2. The Korea Youth Work Agency referred to in Article 6 of the Youth Activity Promotion Act;

3. The National Youth Policy Institute established under the Act on the Establishment, Operation and Fostering of Government-Funded Research Institutions;

4. The Seoul Olympic Sports Promotion Foundation established under Article 36 of the National Sports Promotion Act.

(4) Matters necessary for the management and operation of the Fund shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 54(Raising fund) #

(1) The Fund shall consist of the following financial sources: <Amended on Dec. 23, 2014>

1. Contributions from the Government;

2. Contributions referred to in Article 22(4)1 of the National Sports Promotion Act and contributions referred to in Article 18(1)1 of the Bicycle and Motorboat Racing Act;

3. Money, goods or other property contributed by individuals, corporations, or organizations;

4. Profits accruing from the operation of the Fund;

5. Other revenues prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) Anyone who makes any contribution under paragraph (1)3 may designate the use of his or her contribution; provided, he or she shall not be permitted to designate the use of his or her contribution for any specific organization or any specific individual.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 55(Use of fund) #

(1) The Fund shall be used for the following work: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015>

1. Support for youth activities;

2. Support for establishing and operating youth establishments;

3. Support for training youth leaders;

4. Support for the operation and activities of youth organizations;

5. Support for improving the welfare of youth;

6. Support for protecting youth;

7. Support for the scientific research of the implementation process of youth policies;

8. Support for the work of raising the Fund;

9. Other work prescribed by Presidential Decree as necessary for nurturing youth.

(2) In order to support the fund-raising of the institution in charge of managing the Fund under Article 53(2) and (3) (hereinafter referred to as "institution in charge of managing the Fund"), the State and local governments may permit the institution to gratuitously use, profit from, or rent national or public establishments, goods, or other property therefor within the scope of not impeding the purposes of their use or purposes.

(3) The institution in charge of managing the Fund may contribute or invest part of the Fund or its establishments, goods, or other property to or in the basic property of youth organizations, for nurturing youth or raising the Fund.

(4) The institution in charge of managing the Fund shall coordinate the spending of the Fund in consideration of prospects for raising the Fund, and ultimately develop and implement a long-term plan that can contribute to the securing of financial resources necessary for nurturing youth.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 56(Raising of local fund for nurturing youth) #

(1) The Mayor/Do Governor may establish a local fund for nurturing youth in order to secure financial resources needed to support the work of nurturing youth and youth activities, etc. in his or her jurisdiction.

(2) The raising and the purposes of use of the local fund for nurturing youth under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by municipal ordinance.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 57(Rental of national and public property) #

(1) Where it is deemed necessary to install youth establishments and revitalize youth organizations, the State and local governments may permit youth establishments and organizations to gratuitously rent, use, or profit from national or public property therefor within the scope of not impeding the purposes of their use, notwithstanding the State Property Act or the Public Property and Commodity Management Act.

(2) Details and conditions of the rental, use and profits of national and public property under paragraph (1) shall be determined by a contract concluded between anyone who intends to use and profit from the relevant property and the head of any agency in charge of managing the property or the head of the local government concerned.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 58(Tax reduction and exemption) #

(1) The State may reduce or exempt taxes for the following institutions and youth establishments operated by such institutions, as prescribed by the Act on Restriction on Special Cases Concerning Taxation, and may also reduce or exempt the value-added tax for them, as prescribed by the Value-Added Tax Act:

1. The National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea referred to in Article 40;

2. Local youth organization councils referred to in Article 41;

3. The Korea Youth Counseling and Welfare Development Institute referred to in Article 22 of the Youth Welfare Support Act;

4. Youth Counseling and Welfare Centers referred to in Article 29 of the Youth Welfare Support Act;

5. Support Centers for Youth with Immigrant Background referred to in Article 30 of the Youth Welfare Support Act;

6. The National Youth Policy Institute established under the Act on the Establishment, Operation and Fostering of Government-Funded Research Institutions;

7. Other youth organizations.

(2) The State may apply the special case for the income calculation to the following property, etc., as prescribed by the Act on Restriction on Special Cases Concerning Taxation:

1. Property donated to the institutions referred to in any subparagraph of paragraph (1) and youth establishments operated by such institutions;

2. Money or other property contributed to the Fund pursuant to Article 54.

(3) The State may reduce or exempt duties for the following goods, etc. imported by the institutions referred to in any subparagraph of paragraph (1) and by youth establishments operated by such institutions in order to use them for youth activities, as prescribed by the Customs Act:

1. Experiment, practice and audio-visual materials and other necessary goods;

2. Youth facilities and equipment the imports of which are inevitable for their sophistication, etc.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 59(Supervision) #

(1) If it is deemed necessary for nurturing youth, the State and local governments may have the following institutions report matters concerning their work, accounting, and property or require public officials under their management to check books, documents, and other articles of such institutions:

1. Youth establishments;

2. The National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea referred to in Article 40;

3. Local youth organization councils referred to in Article 41;

4. Other youth organizations.

(2) Public officials assigned to perform the check under paragraph (1) shall carry certificates indicating their authority and produce them to the relevant persons.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 60(Awards) #

The Government may give an award to a person who is greatly credited with nurturing youth or is a role model of youth.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 61(Prohibition of use of similar names) #

No person other than the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea under this Act shall use the titles of the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea or other titles similar thereto.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 62(Fees) #

(1) Either of the following persons shall pay fees, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. A person who undergoes training courses or takes the qualification examination for certified youth guiders;

2. A person who undergoes training courses or takes the qualification examination for certified youth counselors.

(2) A person who establishes and operates any youth establishment and any organization that operates any youth establishment on commission may collect use charges from persons who use their establishments.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 63(Delegation and entrustment of authority) #

The Minister of Gender Equality and Family may delegate part of his or her authority under this Act to the Mayor/Do Governor or entrust part of his or her authority under this Act to youth organizations, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 63-2(Legal fiction as public officials for purposes of applying penalty provisions) #

A person who engages in the business of the qualification examination entrusted pursuant to Article 21(6) (including cases which are applied mutatis mutandis in Article 22(2)) shall be deemed to be a public official for purposes of applying Articles 129 through 132 of the Criminal Act. <Amended on May 19, 2020>

[This Article Added on Feb. 3, 2015]

Article 64(Penalty provisions) #

A person who carries out any for-profit business other than business prescribed by the articles of association under Article 30 shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than two years, or by a fine not exceeding 20 million won.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]

Article 64-2(Penalty provisions) #

Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on May 19, 2020>

1. A person who lends or borrows a qualification certificate or who arranges such lending, in violation of Article 21(2) (including cases applied mutatis mutandis in Article 22(2));

2. A person who reveals to another person, makes public, or publishes personal information on a reporting person or the fact which helps identify the reporting person, in violation of Article 52-2(3).

[This Article Added on Dec. 20, 2016]

Article 65(Joint penalty provisions) #

Where a representative of a corporation or an agent of, or employee of or others employed by of a corporation or individual commits an offense under Article 64, in connection with business of the corporation or the individual, not only shall such offender be punished accordingly, but the corporation or the individual also shall be punished by a fine under each relevant Article; provided, this shall not apply where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in giving due attention to and supervision over the relevant duties to prevent such violation.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 17, 2010]

Article 66(Administrative fines) #

(1) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding five million won:

1. A person who fails to file a report under Article 59(1) or rejects, interferes with, or evades any check.

2. A person who violates Article 61.

(2) Any person who violates Article 24-2(1) and (2) shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding one million won.

(3) Administrative fines referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family or the heads of local governments, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 24, 2014]