Utilizing Empty Hours at Senior Centers for Childcare Spaces... Gangdong-gu Opens 'Kkumiso'

Following the Opening of Dream Miso Branch No. 10 at Gangdong-gu Dunchon 2-dong Senior Love Room, Two More Locations Planned

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] The shared space business, which makes effective use of empty spaces, is actively operated in Gangdong-gu (Mayor Jeonghoon Lee).

‘Kkum Miso,’ a shared space for 1st and 3rd generations, is a representative example of spatial innovation in Gangdong-gu that creates after-school childcare spaces by utilizing limited space.

By leveraging the excellent accessibility of the senior citizen community centers found everywhere, the existing facilities were remodeled to be used by both children and seniors. During the day, it serves as a senior citizen community center, and from 4 p.m., it is used as a childcare space for children.

Starting with the opening of the first ‘Kkum Miso’ at Gil-dong Giriul Senior Center in 2017, the 10th branch will finally open on the 14th at the Dunchon 2-dong Senior Citizen Community Center.

Facilities are being rapidly expanded in each area such as Gil-dong, Cheonho, Amsa, Myeongil, and Dunchon, with plans to add two more locations within this year. The reason for establishing 10 locations in just five years is that by utilizing existing facilities, openings were possible with a much smaller budget compared to new constructions.

Last year alone, about 18,000 children used ‘Kkum Miso,’ making it a reliable childcare facility for after-school children with high satisfaction among parents and children.

In particular, counseling experts reside within the facility to conduct counseling or report cases if abuse or neglect is suspected among children using ‘Kkum Miso,’ serving as a proactive social safety net for vulnerable children.

To support children’s independent activities, each branch forms and operates a children’s self-governing committee called ‘Kkumjaengi.’ Through ‘Kkumjaengi,’ children are helped to plan and carry out activities or programs they want to do on their own.

The newly opened 10th branch of ‘Kkum Miso’ is housed in a newly constructed senior citizen community center, unlike the remodeled previous branches. The attic of the senior center, which has a duplex structure, has been designed like a book caf? where children can freely gather and stay. It is equipped with books and board games preferred by children. A screen is installed to watch movies in a cozy space, and specialized programs such as cooking and art classes are also planned.

Children and adolescents under 18 years old residing in Gangdong-gu can use the facility free of charge, and it operates from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.

Jeonghoon Lee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, said, “We plan to continuously expand living welfare infrastructure through efficient space management such as creating shared spaces using existing facilities like Kkum Miso,” and added, “We will spare no support so that Kkum Miso becomes a safe playground for children to nurture their dreams and hopes.”

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