Jongno-gu Suseongdong Valley and Samcheong Park Launch 'Bench De Noki Project'

The bench named 'Dangsin-ui Jari' offers various designs from single to triple seats considering installation location and donation amount... Starting with a couple's donation celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, singer Jang Minho's fans join in donations celebrating his 10th debut anniversary

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) is continuing the "More Benches to Rest Project" this year following last year, in response to the increasing demand from citizens for outdoor, non-face-to-face resting spaces in the city amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

This project, launched in August 2020 to expand resting spaces for socially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled as well as residents, aims to create a restful Jongno. It operates through a dual approach: a 'donation type' based on voluntary participation from companies and citizens, and a 'public type' implemented by various district office departments.

The official name of the benches is "Your Seat," which carries the meaning of "a chair you donate and use, a comfortable resting space for your neighbors (you)."

The bench designs vary from single to triple seats depending on the installation location and donation amount. Each bench features a nameplate with special inscriptions such as well-wishes chosen by the donors to express the spirit of giving.

Last year, with donations from several companies including Sampyo Group, SM Gold Exchange Goldu, the Jongno-gu Sports Council, and citizens, a total of 60 donation-type benches were installed at 28 locations within the district, providing comfortable resting spaces for neighbors.

The public-type benches, totaling 116, have been installed in areas including Changui-mun-ro, Donhwamun-ro, Naksan Park, Sungin Park, and local village bus stops.

In 2021, Jongno-gu is promoting the More Benches to Rest Project more organically in connection with key initiatives such as "Emptying the City," "Healthy City," and "Garden City."

Additionally, a booklet containing special stories about the project and each donor will be published to foster empathy and resonance within the local community regarding the More Benches to Rest Project.

Since early this year, donations from citizens who sympathize with the project’s purpose have continued steadily. Starting with a donation commemorating the 10th wedding anniversary of a couple living in Nusan-dong, trot singer Jang Min-ho’s fans also joined the donation to celebrate his 10th debut anniversary.

Accordingly, the district plans to create new resting places for residents at Suseong-dong Valley and Samcheong Park by mid-month.

District Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “The benches installed through donations will be loved as resting and healing spaces for citizens in the city. I express my gratitude to the companies, organizations, and residents who actively participated in the More Benches to Rest Project last year and this year. We will continue to promote this project so that anyone can comfortably rest anytime and anywhere while practicing social distancing.”

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