How a Mock Assembly is Shaping Young Minds: Insights from Gyeongsangnam-do’s 2026 Youth Legislative Session

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Elementary students destined to lead their communities participated in real legislative activities inside the provincial assembly’s plenary chamber. 

Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Assembly held the 2026 1st Youth Mock Assembly in the plenary chamber on the 30th.

Forty-three students from Samjeongja Elementary School took part in the mock assembly, delivering five-minute speeches, presenting proposed ordinances, debating pros and cons, and using electronic voting—experiencing the full procedures of a plenary session. 

The students proposed ordinances on school life and broader social issues, debated them, and practiced negotiating to reach consensus.

The exercise emphasized respecting different viewpoints and reaching reasoned conclusions, giving students practical lessons in cooperation and communication. 

The hands-on civic education program, known as the Youth Mock Assembly, is designed to help young people understand the functions and roles of local councils and to learn democratic decision-making processes.

Assembly Chair Choi Hak-beom said, “Today you had a meaningful experience serving as assembly members representing residents. I hope this exercise becomes a foundation for leading your local communities with a broader perspective.”

Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Assembly plans to continue expanding hands-on programs like the mock assembly so more young people can engage with public issues and civic life.