Seoul--(뉴스와이어)--Seoul’s free interpretation guide program, Youth Goodwill Guide (YGG), operated by Hi Seoul Youth Hostel, has welcomed over 7,000 international travelers and youth participants since its launch. In response to growing demand, the program is now expanding its guided tour services for foreign visitors.

Established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and operated by the Korea Youth Work Agency (President Hyunjip Kim), Hi Seoul Youth Hostel has offered the YGG program since 2011. Through this initiative, youth volunteers proficient in foreign languages guide international tourists through some of Seoul’s most iconic destinations, including Jongno, Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Dongdaemun.

YGG is a youth volunteer-based tour guide service where college students introduce Seoul’s history, culture, and attractions in English and other languages. Since its inception, the program has attracted tourists from across the globe—including Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Recently, interest from Free Independent Travelers (FITs) has surged, with an increasing number of individuals applying for personalized tours.

In line with FIT trends, YGG has enhanced its content to offer:

· Small-group, individual tour bookings

· Customized guides tailored to each visitor’s nationality and interests

· Interactive elements such as photo card experiences

To date, travelers from over 30 countries—including the U.S., Argentina, France, Germany, and Malaysia—have joined the program, with total participation now exceeding 7,000 people.

In May, an American visitor who toured Seoul with a YGG guide said that the passion and warm communication from the youth guide made the trip to Seoul truly special. The visitor added that it’s an experience to remember for a long time because it was shared with a local youth. Such feedback highlights why YGG is gaining recognition as more than just a tour—it is emerging as a model youth-led cultural diplomacy program.

President Hyunjip Kim of the Korea Youth Work Agency stated, “YGG provides unforgettable travel memories for international visitors and a proud, globally connected growth experience for our youth. We will continue to expand international exchange programs centered around Hi Seoul Youth Hostel, helping young people grow and engage with the world while fulfilling our social responsibility.”

The YGG program is open to all international visitors to Seoul, free of charge. Reservations can be made easily via the official Hi Seoul Youth Hostel website or through a dedicated booking link.

· Website: https://hiseoulyh.com

· Link: https://forms.gle/aDFuh2kkrVLooRhj6

※ The above is a press release supported by the Seoul Youth Service Center to promote youth policies, activities, and youth facilities for young people in Seoul.

About Hi Seoul Youth Hostel

Established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and operated by the Korea Youth Federation (President: Hyun-Jip Kim), Hi Seoul Youth Hostel is a public accommodation facility that provides convenient and safe services for both domestic and international youth as well as general visitors to Seoul. The hostel offers a wide range of rooms, including Standard Rooms (for 1, 2, 3, or 4 persons), Youth Rooms (for 6 or 10 persons), Ondol Rooms (for 4, 6, or 8 persons), and Condo Rooms (for 4 or 6 persons). In addition, it features a large auditorium and several conference rooms of various sizes, making it suitable for corporate training sessions and educational events. Beyond lodging and rental services, Hi Seoul Youth Hostel actively runs diverse youth programs, including travel support initiatives such as the Youth Goodwill Guide, a volunteer interpretation program for international tourists. It also hosts domestic and international youth exchange activities and social contribution programs aimed at supporting underprivileged youth. Hi Seoul Youth Hostel has received significant recognition both in Korea and abroad, becoming the first youth hostel in Korea to win the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. It was also awarded the No.1 Premium Brand Award for Customer Trust in the Lodging Service Category for two consecutive years (2023-2024), and named the Top Organization in the Youth Guidance category at the 2025 Seoul Metropolitan Government Citizens’ Awards.