Gwangjin District Opens Senior Go and Janggi Rest Area in Old Government Building

Open to All Seniors Over 60
Free Weekly Classes Every Saturday

The "Senior Go and Janggi Rest Area," created by the Gwangjin District of Seoul in the unused space of the old government building, has officially begun operations. This space goes beyond serving as a simple rest area; it acts as a community hub for daily life, fostering interaction and communication among local seniors.

Old government building senior Go rest area. Seniors are enjoying leisure time playing Go. Provided by Gwangjin District.

The Go rest area is located on the first floor of the Administrative Support Building in the old government complex. Any resident of Gwangjin District aged 60 or older is welcome to use the facility, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on public holidays. Membership is self-regulated, allowing users to come and go freely.

Inside, there are 28 tables (56 seats) set up for playing Go and Janggi, enabling many people to use the space simultaneously. A waiting area and information desk have also been provided. Safety has been enhanced with the installation of closed-circuit (CC) TV cameras and a notice board outlining the rules of use. The distance between tables has been increased to allow wheelchair access. Both heating and cooling systems, as well as lighting, have been newly upgraded so that seniors can spend time in a cool indoor environment even as temperatures rise.

Particular emphasis has been placed on promoting a healthy leisure culture. The district, in collaboration with the Go Association, offers free basic Go classes every Saturday. Rules have also been established to curb disorderly behavior, such as excessive betting or monopolizing seats, to encourage natural interaction among users. Facility operations and user management are handled by dedicated staff, with the program also linked to local senior employment opportunities.

Since relocating to the new government building last year, Gwangjin District has utilized the unused space of the old building as a multifunctional living area until development begins in earnest. In addition to the Go rest area, there are dance and music classrooms, study rooms open to all residents, and traditional culture education centers. This arrangement allows various generations, from youth to seniors, to share the space together.

Going forward, the district plans to continue converting unused spaces into life-oriented public facilities that enhance residents' quality of life and promote communication between generations.

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