Labor ministry opens exhibition of future job drawings

The labor ministry said Thursday it is opening an exhibition of award-winning drawings from the 18th Future Me Drawing Contest at the 172G Gallery in Gwanghwamun Station. The display runs through September 21 and features works imagining future careers ranging from space environmental cleaners to marine doctors.

Organized jointly with Korea Polytechnic University since 2009, this year's competition attracted 12,579 participants under the theme "My Chosen Future Self," bringing the cumulative total to approximately 218,000 entries.

Sixteen grand prize winners were selected from 292 awardees, receiving ministerial awards from the labor, education and gender equality ministries along with the Seoul metropolitan government.

Many of the selected artworks depict familiar professions combined with advanced technologies, such as AI engineers transforming farms or robots assisting hair designers. Other students focused on solving social issues, submitting drawings of cultural heritage restorers and managers who collect marine waste.

Lee Chae-won, a high school student who won the grand prize in the senior division for her drawing of a digital historical verification researcher, expressed hope that digital technology will help preserve Korean culture. Lee Cheol-su, president of Korea Polytechnic University, noted that the contest encourages young people to connect their talents with societal needs.

Following the Seoul exhibition, the winning works will tour Korea Job World and KTX Osong Station.