What Do They Study at 'Jongno Happiness School' Held Every Thursday?

Seoul National University Happiness Research Center Reflects Scientific Research Results to Establish 'Principles of Happiness' and Conducts Practical Methods and Exercises for a Happy Life

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) will operate the "1st Jongno Happiness School" every Thursday from June 24 to August 12 at the Yujin Human Resources Development Institute (Jahamun-ro 33da-gil 36-4).

The Jongno Happiness School is a unique educational program planned and presented by Jongno-gu in collaboration with the Happiness Bridge Association and Seoul National University Happiness Research Center, marking the first local government initiative to practice and learn happiness.

The theme of the 1st Jongno Happiness School is set as "Dasi (多時), Happiness," which means "wishing for much happiness over time" and also "finding happiness again."

Over a total of eight sessions, the program will help shift perceptions of happiness through topics such as ▲establishing the principles of happiness ▲the relationship between happiness and perspective ▲immersion and gratitude ▲not comparing oneself to others ▲strengthening relationships ▲savoring ▲sharing and giving, along with practical methods and exercises for a happy life.

The lectures will be conducted by current and former teachers who are members of the Happiness Bridge Association (a group of teachers who teach happiness) with extensive experience in happiness education.

This educational program and workbook were restructured exclusively for the Jongno Happiness School by the "Jongno Happiness School TF," composed of representatives from Jongno-gu, the Happiness Bridge Association, and Seoul National University Happiness Research Center, citing the happiness textbook and related content from the Seoul National University Happiness Research Center.

The first class will begin with an entrance ceremony. On this day, a special lecture by Professor Hong Young-il, head of the education team at the Seoul National University Happiness Research Center and a Ph.D. in education, is also scheduled, raising expectations.

After the completion of the 1st Happiness School, Jongno-gu plans to gather various feedback such as student satisfaction to improve the program and operate the 2nd Happiness School in October.

Additionally, they plan to request the Seoul National University Happiness Education Center to conduct research verifying the effectiveness of the Happiness School program. This aims to analyze the impact of the education on improving happiness awareness, build data, and brand the program based on scientific evidence.

Through the continuous operation of the Happiness School, efforts will be made to achieve tangible effects within the local community. In particular, graduates will be engaged as partners in happiness projects to continuously carry out resident-led happiness initiatives.

Meanwhile, since 2015, Jongno-gu has prioritized resident happiness as the top value in district administration and has implemented various related policies. In January of the same year, it established the nation’s first dedicated happiness team, enacted the first "Resident Happiness Promotion Ordinance" in Seoul in 2017, and developed the Jongno Happiness Index in 2018.

Furthermore, based on resident participation, the Jongno Happiness Dream Project has been conducted to discuss and implement ways to enhance happiness in Jongno, continuously striving to find practical methods to improve resident happiness.

This year, in April, they published a white paper titled "Happy Jongno, Jongno Happiness," which summarizes happiness policies in an easy-to-understand manner. The book includes stories of how Jongno-gu has pursued resident happiness through the "Happiness Dream Project" from 2015 to 2020, as well as information on this year’s "Jongno Well-being Index Rounding Project" aimed at promoting resident happiness.

The white paper is being distributed to community centers, libraries, and other resident facilities to share the valuable experiences and achievements accumulated so far.

Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, "As social polarization and inequality have deepened due to COVID-19, 'happiness' has once again become a key topic. Through operating the Happiness School, we will lead small but meaningful changes to create a community where all residents can be equally happy."

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