'Jungnang Haengbok Geulpan' Winter Edition Applications Open Until the 19th

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi) is accepting submissions for the winter edition of the ‘Jungnang Happiness Bulletin Board’ until November 19.

This time, submissions are limited to original creative phrases within 30 characters that convey warm emotions and comfort with a winter theme. Anyone residing in Jungnang-gu or working at a business located in the area can submit one entry each.

Creative phrases can be submitted online via the Jungnang-gu Office website under Citizen Participation → Internet Submission. They can also be submitted in person at the Administrative Support Division on the 4th floor of Jungnang-gu Office or by mail.

Afterward, a selection committee will review the entries and select a total of six works. The grand prize winner (1 work) will receive 500,000 KRW, and five runners-up will each receive 100,000 KRW in Jungnang Love Gift Certificates, totaling approximately 1 million KRW in awards.

The winning phrase will be beautifully designed and displayed on the exterior wall of Jungnang-gu Office from December through February.

Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi of Jungnang-gu said, “We ask for many participations in this winter edition of the Jungnang Happiness Bulletin Board so that residents can feel warm comfort through their phrases during the cold winter,” adding, “We hope that reading phrases that capture the four seasons will bring small happiness in everyday life.”

In the previous autumn edition contest, resident Kim Yu-ja’s phrase, “Open your chest wide and look at the high blue sky; you will hear the sound of your dreams ripening,” was selected as the winning entry.

Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Noh Hyun-song) announced the selection of recipients for the ‘25th Gangseo Citizen Awards.’

The district annually selects and awards citizens who have devoted themselves to the development of the local community with exceptional passion.

This year, nine recipients were selected across five categories, with the grand prize awarded to the Gangseo Yangcheon Environmental Movement Federation (organization). The federation was highly praised for its dedication to the health and safety of Gangseo residents through campaigns such as the removal of high-voltage transmission towers and opposition to relocating a ready-mix concrete factory to Gangseo-gu.

They also continuously engaged in various environmental protection activities, including youth environmental education, plastic reduction campaigns, and asbestos removal monitoring, serving as a model for all.

In the community development category, Jeong Ho-seong, the private chairman of the Gangseo Cooperation Council, and Yoon Du-gwon, president of the Gayang 1-dong Residents’ Autonomy Association, were awarded. Jeong was recognized for promoting public-private cooperation, and Yoon for actively participating in care for marginalized neighbors.

In the citizen harmony and volunteer service category, Kim Jeong-nim, president of the Hwagok 6-dong Saemaul Women’s Association, who has actively supported low-income, elderly living alone, and marginalized groups, and Lee Geun-cheol, the chief of Banghwa 3-dong, who has consistently contributed to community safety and quarantine volunteer activities, were honored.

In the environmental protection category, Yoo Young-gyu, known as the ‘Environment President,’ was selected. Yoo collected 0.7 tons of trash around Gaehwasan and organized a trash relic exhibition, raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection.

In the culture and sports development category, Park Guk-in was recognized for his contributions as head of the Gangseo branch of the Korea Photographers Association, organizing nationwide Ye-hyang Gangseo photo contests and exhibitions, thereby expanding the district’s cultural and artistic base.

In the public morals category, Kim Beom-yeol, president of the Ujangsan-dong Residents’ Autonomy Association, was awarded for promoting resident autonomy through projects such as ‘Blooming Ujangsan-dong,’ and Kim Seung-hwan, a member of the Balsan Village Cultural Festival Promotion Committee, was recognized for spreading a culture of sharing through continuous donations and volunteer work.

Mayor Noh Hyun-song said, “I thank all the awardees who have worked hard for regional development despite the difficult times due to COVID-19,” adding, “We will continue to do our best to create a better Gangseo together with all residents.”

The Gangseo Citizen Awards were first implemented in 1997, and to date, a total of 191 residents, including 20 grand prize winners, have been honored.

Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) erected the ‘6.25 Korean War Veterans Memorial’ on the site of the Seoul National University Hospital (Daehak-ro 101) Memorial Tower and held an unveiling ceremony on the 2nd.

The memorial inscribes the names of 1,451 Korean War veterans who lived or had their registered address in the area and passed away, honoring their spirit of sacrifice and courage for the country.

Jongno-gu has been striving to expedite the project considering that the average age of veterans exceeds 90 years and the number of deceased veterans far exceeds survivors. After obtaining permission to use the historically significant site of Seoul National University Hospital and continuous consultations with the Seoul Northern Veterans Affairs Office, the long-awaited project was realized.

The Memorial Tower site within Seoul National University Hospital is a hill where, on June 28, 1950, 900 wounded soldiers and civilians were brutally massacred. In 1963, the Korea Daily Newspaper erected a ‘Monument to Unknown Freedom Fighters’ at the burial site of the victims.

Annual memorial ceremonies are held, and with the addition of this veterans’ memorial, it is expected to deepen reflection on the pain of the Korean War and the reality of national division, adding historical significance.

Opposite the memorial, a memorial wall with explanatory texts about the purpose of the monument and the Korean War has also been installed to aid visitors’ understanding.

Additionally, benches and stone seats have been provided to create a comfortable resting place for elderly and visitors with mobility difficulties. Although a solemn place, it is intended to be a space that blends into daily life and remains for a long time.

Going forward, Jongno-gu plans to use this site not only to preserve the achievements and spirit of sacrifice of veterans but also as a meaningful historical education site where children and youth can cultivate patriotism.

Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “I am deeply moved and pleased to have established the memorial that many veterans longed for,” adding, “We will never forget the noble sacrifice and courage of the veterans who willingly gave their youth and lives when the fate of the country was at stake, together with the residents of Jongno-gu.”

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is launching a customized safety project for single-person households to create a safe residential environment in daily life.

First, additional secure parcel lockers will be installed. Secure parcel lockers allow residents to receive packages without face-to-face contact with strangers by using unmanned lockers near their residence. This service helps prevent crimes impersonating delivery personnel, which pose a high risk to single-person households, and is highly useful as there is no risk of loss even if residents are away for extended periods.

This year, the district prioritized installation in multi-family residential areas and regions with high rates of crimes against women, installing 88 new lockers at five locations.

The new locker locations include ▲ Hagye 1-dong Hagye Eoullim Center ▲ Hagye 1-dong Nanum Art Center ▲ Junggye Bon-dong Nowon Culture and Arts Center ▲ Exit 1 of Danggogae Station in Sanggye 3 and 4-dong ▲ Saimaeul Gallery in Sanggye 5-dong.

With this new installation, the district now operates a total of 279 lockers across 15 locations. The secure parcel locker service has surpassed 113,000 uses this year, showing steady resident interest and utilization.

The lockers are free to use 24/7, 365 days a year, with free storage for up to 48 hours. However, if a package is not collected within 48 hours, a fee of 1,000 KRW per day applies.

Additionally, a door-guard CCTV installation support project for single-person household safety is underway. The door-guard service allows real-time monitoring of the entrance via CCTV, helping prevent home intrusion crimes.

It features a loitering detection sensor that sends alerts if someone lingers near the door and supports two-way voice communication with visitors.

In emergencies, pressing the emergency bell dispatches a security company for 24-hour response. Amid rising stalking crimes targeting single women households, this is expected to have a practical crime prevention effect.

The support targets 100 single-person households aged 18 or older residing in Nowon-gu, excluding homeowners. For the first year, users pay only 1,000 KRW monthly, with the district subsidizing 8,900 KRW monthly.

The district is also conducting a safe return path refurbishment project. This year, five sections were refurbished, replacing 26 old LED guide signs and installing four new ones.

LED guide signs provide psychological stability to nighttime pedestrians and enhance crime prevention by allowing police to quickly respond when the sign number is reported during emergencies, even if the exact address is unknown. The district plans to continue improving safety factors hidden in the living environment for single-person households by securing budgets.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok of Nowon-gu said, “Crimes targeting single-person households, especially women, have increased significantly, raising residents’ anxiety,” adding, “We will create a safer residential environment through various policies that residents living alone can feel in their daily lives.”

Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) held a groundbreaking ceremony at 1:30 PM on the 3rd to mark the official start of the ‘Songpa Dullegil Season II’ with the ‘Ogeum Park Water Reservoir Park Project.’

The ‘Ogeum Park Water Reservoir Park Project’ began in 2019, with the winning design selected through a competition in 2020. After design services and consultations with related agencies, construction started at the end of August this year, currently focusing on the upper foundation of the reservoir.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 social distancing level 4, the groundbreaking ceremony was postponed and held in line with the phased recovery of daily life.

The Ogeum Park water reservoir has a high hill-like terrain due to an underground reservoir. This year, an accessible deck path will be constructed on the reservoir slope to create an environment convenient for all ages. Sky and deck rest areas will be established at the upper and lower parts of the reservoir to provide ample resting spaces for residents.

The district also plans to connect the existing park walking paths, making it easy for anyone to reach the upper reservoir and enjoy panoramic views of Songpa-gu, turning it into a scenic spot.

The ceremony began with a pre-event screening of the Songpa Dullegil Season I video, attended by Mayor Park Seong-su, members of the National Assembly, city and district council members, and residents using Songpa Dullegil. The groundbreaking and site inspection of the project area were also conducted.

Mayor Park Seong-su said, “Once the construction is completed in stages by 2022, residents who have faced difficulties due to COVID-19 are expected to enjoy a safe and distinctive resting space,” adding, “Along with the parkification of Ogeum Park water reservoir, we will tightly connect parks and traditional markets along Songpa Dullegil to establish it as a representative walking tourism course in Seoul.”

The district has been promoting the ‘Songpa Dullegil Season II’ project since the opening of the Tancheon Trail on July 1. Season II connects major attractions within Songpa-gu, such as Pungnap Fortress Trail, Wirye Human Ring, and Namhansanseong, to Songpa Dullegil.

Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) announced on the 3rd that it will implement the ‘Saegumjeong-ro Signboard Improvement Project’ to enhance urban aesthetics, safety, commercial vitality, and energy savings.

The target area is a 1,380-meter section on both sides from Hongjegyo Bridge to in front of Munhwachon Jeil Church.

The district plans to start replacing one signboard per business at about 150 businesses in 75 buildings from next week and complete installation by the end of this year.

Through this project, old signboards will be replaced with energy-saving LED signboards that harmonize with the surrounding environment.

In particular, to promote ‘resident participation autonomous signboard improvement’ and ‘healthy outdoor advertising culture,’ a ‘Saegumjeong-ro Area Signboard Improvement Residents’ Committee’ was formed earlier this year, consisting of 12 members including business owners, building owners, and local professional group representatives.

The committee approved the basic plan for signboard improvement and participated in selecting the signboard improvement contractor.

They will continue resident consultations during construction and take responsibility for maintenance and management after project completion.

Mayor Moon Seok-jin of Seodaemun-gu said, “Signboards are an essential element of urban design, so we will continuously improve excessively large and disorderly signboards with residents to create a beautiful, pleasant, and distinctive street environment.”

Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) opened the ‘i-Plus Care Center’ on the 1st.

The ‘i-Plus Care Center’ is the 6th branch of the after-school elementary care facility ‘Our Neighborhood Care Center,’ located on the 3rd floor of the recently opened Gangdong 50 Plus Center (752 Olympic-ro, Gangdong-gu).

With a total area of approximately 340㎡, it is the largest among the six Our Neighborhood Care Centers operated by Gangdong-gu and is a hybrid care center providing free meals.

The center serves elementary students aged 6 to 12, who can freely use the facility after school. The capacity is 40 students for regular care. Operating hours are from 1 PM to 8 PM on weekdays during the school term and from 8 AM to 8 PM during vacations. Weekend care is also provided on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM.

The usage fee is 50,000 KRW per month for regular care and 2,500 KRW per day for temporary care. Services include homework guidance, play activities, cultural, artistic, and sports programs, and snacks. Applications can be made through the Our Neighborhood Care Portal website.

Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon of Gangdong-gu said, “We are continuously working to expand rest, leisure, and play spaces for children to fill care gaps. We plan to open the 7th care center in the first half of next year,” adding, “Beyond facility expansion, we will build a regional care network through cooperation with related organizations and provide high-quality care services to make Gangdong-gu a great place to raise children.”

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) held the ‘Urban Plaza Culture Forum’ at 2 PM on the 31st of last month.

The district is promoting the project ‘Creating Gwanak-style Plaza Culture through Car-Free Streets’ as a cooperative governance task since 2021 to designate certain sections of Bongcheon-ro as car-free streets for a set time, creating plazas to provide residents with urban healing spaces.

Due to the cancellation of offline events to prevent COVID-19 spread, the public-private cooperation implementation task force decided to hold the forum to raise residents’ interest and promote the project.

The forum was conducted with only a small number of attendees on-site following social distancing guidelines and was live-streamed from 2 PM to 3:30 PM on the official Gwanak-gu YouTube channel ‘Live Gwanak.’

The forum covered topics such as the impact of cities and spaces on our lives and directions for urban community recovery, featuring lectures and Q&A sessions with residents.

The lecture was delivered by Professor Yoo Hyun-joon of Hongik University’s Department of Architecture, a well-known urban and architecture expert active in publishing and broadcasting, under the theme ‘Where Should Cities Go After COVID-19 and the Climate Crisis?’

Professor Yoo stated, “Currently, due to COVID-19 and the increase in single-person households, individuals mainly stay in SNS spaces, leading to communication breakdowns. Spatial polarization is occurring, so it is necessary to create many public spaces that can be used without cost.”

Residents asked questions, mainly about the restoration of Bongcheoncheon Stream, including how stream restoration and road parkification relate to local commercial revitalization and design directions. Professor Yoo responded, “Increasing parks through stream restoration naturally helps local revitalization. Minimizing roads and allowing people to walk in the middle, making crossing easy to improve accessibility, is effective. Cities where people walk slowly rather than move quickly enhance local revitalization effects.”

A participating resident expressed hope for more green spaces in Gwanak-gu where people can come, go, and communicate, showing anticipation for Bongcheoncheon restoration.

Previously, the district conducted a feasibility study for Bongcheoncheon restoration’s basic concept. Currently, the ‘Bongcheoncheon River Basic Plan Amendment and River Facility Management Ledger’ has been submitted for review by the Regional Water Resources Management Committee. After approval, preliminary feasibility studies and basic design for Bongcheoncheon will proceed.

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is operating the vivid cultural heritage project ‘Achasan Moari’ until November 26, featuring high-quality content selected in the 2021 Cultural Heritage Administration contest.

‘Achasan Moari’ is planned to increase students’ and residents’ interest and affection for cultural heritage by utilizing Achasan Fortress, Historic Site No. 234.

The project is divided into an online program, ‘Achasan Fortress ON AIR,’ and an offline program, ‘Achasan Fortress Learning Center.’

The flagship program, ‘Achasan Fortress ON AIR,’ is live-streamed via Zoom to about 2,000 students, featuring performances related to Achasan Fortress themes.

Various performances include the original play ‘Achasan Moari,’ a historical play ‘Find the Real Ondal’ about Ondal of the Three Kingdoms period and Achasan Fortress, and ‘Stars of Achasan,’ a traditional Korean music performance depicting the story of Ondal and Pyeonggang.

The offline ‘Achasan Fortress Learning Center’ is a cultural heritage human resource development program for local residents, offering basic classes on Gwangjin-gu’s cultural heritage, field trips, and discussion sessions.

Mayor Kim Seon-gap said, “I am pleased to provide students with a new form of history education through Achasan Moari,” adding, “We will continue to develop diverse historical and cultural content to lower the threshold for enjoying cultural heritage while raising its quality.”

Dobong-gu (Mayor Lee Dong-jin) will hold the ‘Dobol’ youth festival online on the 6th. Now in its 7th year, ‘Dobol’ is short for ‘Boldly Challenge and Infinitely Develop,’ symbolizing youth’s continuous growth through new challenges.

The festival is co-hosted by the youth cultural planning group ‘Cheong-yeon’ (Youth Connection) and Changdong Youth Cultural Center, with participation from local youth facilities (Dobong Youth Nuri Center With, Ssangmun-dong Youth Cultural Center, Ssangmun-dong Youth Land, and Changdong Municipal Youth Center). It will be streamed live on YouTube channels ‘Dobong-gu Youth Festival Dobol’ and ‘seeBong.’

This year’s festival is themed ‘Dobol, How Far Have You Gone?’ The ‘Cheong-yeon’ group held over 30 planning meetings since March and prepared various festival programs based on surveys of local youth.

Pre-events include ▲ ‘Dobong Fashionista,’ a home-based fashion show, and ▲ ‘Travelers to Dobol Island,’ an Instagram escape room game. On the festival day, 10 teams totaling 80 youth will perform dance, cheerleading, bands, and more, alongside various events for local youth.

From November 6 to 13, 11 online experience booths will operate for pre-registered youth, including the experiential program ‘My Memories Are Here, Clay’ and the Tanghulu-making program ‘Home-based China Experience.’

Mayor Lee Dong-jin said, “‘Dobol’ is a festival planned and created by youth themselves, so I hope many young people will communicate and enjoy it together. We will always support youth who strive for new challenges.”

Guro-gu (Mayor Lee Seong) will hold a college entrance academy for parents of local students preparing for exams.

Guro-gu announced on the 3rd, “To help local students prepare systematically for college entrance, we will operate a ‘Parents’ College Entrance Academy’ providing lectures on entrance systems and grade management methods.”

The academy will be held four times on the 16th, 18th, 23rd, and 25th of this month via the online video platform ZOOM. It covers ▲ changes in the 2023 and 2024 college entrance systems ▲ career planning and study tips for improving grades ▲ key strategies for success in the 2023 college entrance ▲ creating an outstanding student record. Each session includes a Q&A.

Lectures will be given by Kim Yong-taek, head of Shinuihansu Entrance Strategy Research Institute and a college counseling specialist at the Guro Learning Support Center.

Those wishing to attend can apply through the Guro Learning Support Center website. Enrollment is limited to the first 50 applicants.

Guro-gu also operates a ‘Self-Directed Learning Counseling Room’ to help students develop independent study habits. Shin Dong-cheon, a full-time instructor at the Korea KPCA Psychological Counseling Guidance Association, provides one-on-one counseling with tailored study methods by subject.

Counseling is available Tuesday to Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM and Saturdays from 1 PM to 6 PM, excluding public holidays and Mondays. Local middle and high school students can apply by phone to the Guro Learning Support Center. The service is free of charge.

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