University Students' Ideas for Regional Upgrade

Seodaemun-gu 2020 First Half 'University-Community Linked Classes' and 'Project Execution Team' Contest

The scene from the "9th University-Community Linked Class Town Hall Meeting" held on December 6 last year at the "Sinchon, Paranggorae" Dream Fulfillment Hall

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) is accepting applications for the first half of 2020’s ‘University-Community Linked Courses’ and ‘Project Execution Teams’ until February 7.

The target applicants are ‘departments of local universities’ that will conduct education and practice throughout the first half of this year aiming to generate ideas for regional development, and ‘university students’ who will deepen project proposals that emerged from previous University-Community Linked Courses.

‘Linked Courses’ can be applied for by professors and teaching assistants conducting regular lectures at universities and graduate schools within Seodaemun-gu. At this time, they must submit a syllabus aimed at revitalizing the local economy, culture, housing, welfare, or community.

Students enrolled in the course will conduct, over one semester, ▲local resource surveys ▲resident interviews ▲field practice linked with local activists and experts according to this plan.

‘Project Execution Teams’ are recruited to further specify the outcomes of the ‘University-Community Linked Courses,’ and teams of three or more, including students who participated in the relevant courses, can apply.

This project, started in the second semester of 2015 by Seodaemun-gu to find fresh and professional regional development ideas from university students, is now in its 10th semester. Town hall meetings where participating students present and discuss their research results have also been held each semester.

A teaching assistant who participated in the second half of last year said, “The University-Community Linked Courses, which can leave achievements contributing to urban regeneration, are a very good opportunity for students.”

A student shared their thoughts on participating in the linked course, saying, “It made me realize that urban regeneration can be achieved through small changes, not just grand projects like building buildings.”

In fact, ideas generated through the University-Community Linked Courses have become the foundation for district policies, such as the ‘Shared Kitchen in Sinchon Box Square.’

Mayor Moon Seok-jin said, “The outcomes achieved by university students who take an interest in and actively participate in the local community will be good materials for the development of Seodaemun-gu.”

For more details about the ‘University-Community Linked Courses’ and ‘Project Execution Teams’ recruitment, please refer to the ‘Notices’ section on the Seodaemun-gu website or contact the Urban Regeneration Division of Seodaemun-gu Office at 330-1506.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.