Youth and Office Workers Embrace the Popular 'Gwangjin Learning Crew'
Published 13 Apr.2023 07:38(KST)
Updated 13 Apr.2023 15:30(KST)
Formation of a ‘Running Crew’ for the 2040 Young Generation, Aiming to Complete 4-5km Runs Once a Week
Running through the city at night and capturing life’s photos... Early registration closes quickly amid enthusiastic response
Open for applications until June 1, anyone in Gwangjin-gu can apply via Naver Band
As the spring atmosphere fully ripens these days, a running craze is sweeping through Gwangjin-gu, centered on the 2040 young generation.
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) operates the ‘Gwangjin Running Crew’ running through the city at night with young adults and office workers.
The ‘Gwangjin Running Crew’ is a running group organized via SNS. Participants can choose their preferred session and run a 4-5km course once a week. A professional instructor accompanies the group to teach exercise methods and takes photos of the runners to create lasting memories. Anyone can join for free anytime as long as they have running shoes.
Considering the previous lack of exercise programs for young adults and office workers, the district sought to launch this project. It is the first among Seoul’s autonomous districts to promote a running group for residents, with the first session held on March 30 at Ttukseom Hangang Park.
By the third session, registration closed within five minutes due to explosive popularity. As of April, about 270 members are registered on Naver Band, actively communicating through posts and comments.
The ‘Gwangjin Running Crew’ runs every Thursday evening. Each session recruits 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis; odd-numbered sessions run at Ttukseom Hangang Park, and even-numbered sessions at Children’s Grand Park.
Starting with warm-up exercises to prevent injuries, participants complete the designated running course. Two instructors act as pacemakers, matching breathing and pace, while a professional photographer runs alongside to assist with photo shooting.
Anyone residing in Gwangjin-gu can participate. Those interested can search ‘2023 Gwangjin Running Crew’ on Naver Band to apply. The program runs for a total of 10 sessions until June 1, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. When applying, participants record their individual pace to be grouped into two teams with similar skill levels.
Participants shared their experiences: “It was a fun time exercising after work and capturing life photos,” “Running while enjoying the beautiful night view helped me blow away work stress,” and “I couldn’t have done it alone, but running together with encouragement helped me complete the course.”
Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said, “We formed the Gwangjin Running Crew to provide young adults and office workers with an easy opportunity to exercise in daily life. I hope everyone enjoys running energetically with precious connections while taking in Gwangjin-gu’s night scenery on weekday evenings.”
Going forward, the district plans to offer new and diverse programs such as a cycling crew, Achasan night trekking, and Hangang water sports experiences to bring the joy of community sports to residents.
Mapo-gu Selected for Youth Challenge Support Project by Ministry of Employment and Labor… Recruiting 80 Participants
From psychological counseling for discouraged job seekers to employment linkage, up to 3 million KRW support upon completion
Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Kang-soo) has launched the ‘2023 Youth Challenge Support Project’ to enhance the employment capabilities of young people who have given up job searching, recruiting 80 participants.
The Youth Challenge Support Project provides individual psychological counseling and customized programs for young people who have lost confidence due to difficulties in finding employment, and helps link them to jobs after program completion. Participants who complete the program receive up to 3 million KRW in allowances and incentives.
The total budget for this project is 432 million KRW, with Mapo-gu securing 410 million KRW in national funds after being selected in a Ministry of Employment and Labor public contest.
The Youth Challenge Support Project consists of short-term and long-term programs.
The short-term program, ‘Challenge Support Project Tomorrow ON,’ offers 5 weeks (40 hours) of close counseling, case management, confidence recovery, career exploration, employment linkage, and support services. Participants completing the program receive a 500,000 KRW participation allowance.
The long-term program, ‘Challenge+Support Tomorrow ON Boarding,’ adds employment capability enhancement and region-specific programs to the short-term program, running as an advanced 5-month (200 hours) course. Participants receive a monthly 500,000 KRW participation allowance, and those who complete the entire 5-month course receive an additional 500,000 KRW incentive, totaling 3 million KRW in support.
The project runs until December at the Mapo-gu Employment Welfare Support Center. The short-term program recruits 30 participants until June 23, and the long-term program recruits 50 participants until July 1.
Applicants must be young people aged 18 to 34 who meet at least one of the following conditions: no employment (with employment insurance) or education/training history for over 6 months; graduates of high school, university, or equivalent; youth preparing for independence or those admitted/discharged from youth shelters; or those recognized as needing support. Applications are open regardless of residence.
For applications and further details, contact the Job Service Team at Mapo-gu Employment Welfare Support Center.
Mayor Park Kang-soo said, “We hope many young people who have given up job searching will participate in this project to help them engage in economic activities. Mapo-gu will continue to focus on policies for local youth.”
Seongdong Sharing Center Extends Night Hours
From this month, open until 9 PM on Mondays and Fridays, allowing office workers to borrow and return items after work
Equipped with over 770 shared items including hidden camera detectors and window cleaners... Apply online and pick up nearby
Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that from this month, the Seongdong Sharing Center will extend its operating hours until 9 PM every Monday and Friday to enhance resident convenience and promote sharing.
A satisfaction survey conducted at the end of last year showed many users wanted extended borrowing and return hours. Reflecting these opinions and the increased number of transactions before and after weekends, the center’s hours, previously 10 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, have been extended to 9 PM on Mondays and Fridays. The district plans to improve convenience for working residents and further activate item sharing through this extension.
Opened in 2017, the Seongdong Sharing Center is the only standalone sharing center in Seoul, housing a total of 342 types and over 770 items including various tools, tents, camping gear, robot window cleaners, bedding vacuum cleaners, medical aids, and hidden camera detectors. It offers affordable access to expensive or hard-to-store items, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmental issues and resource recycling.
Any Seongdong-gu resident can register as a member on the Seongdong Sharing Center website and reserve desired items for specific dates. Last year, the number of delivery hubs expanded to nine, allowing residents who live far from the center to pick up items at a nearby delivery location.
Mayor Jung Won-oh stated, “We will continue efforts to make the Seongdong Sharing Center convenient for residents and hope the sharing culture spreads further in the community.”
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