Mayor Kim Donggeun: "We Will Create an Urban Environment Where Seniors Can Enjoy Their Daily Lives with a Smile"

Uijeongbu City, Where Laughter Becomes a Daily Life for Seniors... Opening of "Hoho Dang" Branch 2
A Senior Lounge Blending Mind Sports and Community
Second Branch Opens at Haengbok Nuri Park under the Gyeongwon Line, Enhancing Accessibility in Residential Hubs
From Go and Janggi to Communication and Relaxation... Establishing a Senior Community Hub in the Heart of the City

On September 19, Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) celebrated the opening of "Hoho Dang Branch 2" at Haengbok Nuri Park in Ganeung-dong, spending meaningful time in communication with senior citizens who use the facility.

Kim Donggeun, mayor of Uijeongbu, attended the opening ceremony of "Hoho Dang Branch 2" on the 19th and unveiled the plaque. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Mayor Kim Donggeun visited the site that day and held a meeting with about 80 users, listening attentively to the voices of the senior citizens.

"Hoho Dang" is a leisure lounge exclusively for seniors, named through a public contest. The name combines "Hoho," the sound of laughter, and "Dang," meaning house, to convey the idea of "a warm space where laughter blossoms."

Since the first Hoho Dang opened in December 2023 under Hyoja Station on the Shin-gok-dong light rail line, it has received an enthusiastic response from seniors, with an average of about 150 visitors per day. The opening of the second branch has further strengthened the foundation of the city’s age-friendly policies.

Construction of Hoho Dang Branch 2 began in June after completing the detailed design in May, and it was completed in September after approximately four months of work.

With a total area of 133.3 square meters, the facility is divided into a mind sports area (66.7 square meters) and a community area (66.7 square meters), providing spaces for leisure, interaction, and relaxation for senior citizens.

Mayor Kim Donggeun is taking a commemorative photo with senior citizens at the opening ceremony of "Hoho-dang Branch 2" on the 19th. Photo by Uijeongbu City

The use of space has been upgraded for greater practicality. The mind sports area is equipped with 24 Go boards, 12 Go tables, and 48 chairs, allowing any senior to enjoy the games freely.

The city is striving to create a senior-friendly urban environment in response to the super-aged society.

To address the growing elderly population, the city is expanding senior-exclusive community spaces within residential areas and implementing various policies to enhance the quality of leisure and welfare services.

Hoho Dang is a symbolic space that embodies this trend. It is noteworthy not only for providing a space, but also for evolving in a way that incorporates the participation and experiences of its users.

The city plans to continue using Hoho Dang as a hub to strengthen the public nature of senior welfare and to continuously expand "hidden spaces of relaxation within the city."

Kim Donggeun, the mayor, is giving a greeting speech at the opening ceremony of 'Hoho-dang Branch No. 2' on the 19th. Provided by Uijeongbu City

During the meeting, a variety of opinions were exchanged regarding heating and cooling environments, program operations, and other topics. The city plans to actively reflect these suggestions in future operations.

Mayor Kim Donggeun stated, "Hoho Dang is more than just a leisure space; it is a precious shelter where seniors can gather, interact, and regain their vitality. We will continue to pursue welfare policies that provide real support so that seniors can enjoy their daily lives with a smile."

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