Gwanak-gu's Picture Book "Starlight Hero, Gang Gam-chan!" Published

Reevaluating the Cultural Asset Value of General Gang Gam-chan... 'Starlight Hero, Gang Gam-chan!' Picture Book Production of 2,000 Copies Provides Children with Opportunities to Get Familiar with Books and Creates Picture Book Reading Jobs for Seniors

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has published a picture book titled "Starlight Hero, Gang Gamchan!" which introduces the region using Gwanak's representative historical figure General Gang Gamchan and the village as its subject.

This picture book publication was promoted as part of the 'Gang Gamchan City Brand' project, aimed at re-examining the cultural asset value of General Gang Gamchan and strengthening the city's identity.

The picture book interestingly covers the history of the entire village, including Nakseongdae where General Gang Gamchan was born and raised, and is designed to be easy to read for all generations from children to the elderly.

Professional writers participated in the production, and for historical fact verification, Professor Jeong Yogeun from Seoul National University's Department of Korean History and one other expert took part in the review process.

The 2,000 copies of the produced picture book will be placed in local libraries, elementary schools, childcare facilities, and the Gang Gamchan Exhibition Hall to be used as educational materials for understanding history and the village.

Additionally, the district plans to support group lending so that the picture book can be used as material for post-reading activities in daycare centers, elementary schools, and reading clubs.

Reflecting the future trends of the COVID-19 situation, the district plans to promote a senior job project where locally trained elderly individuals visit daycare centers to read the Gang Gamchan picture book to children.

This is expected to provide children with an opportunity to become familiar with books from an early age, offer jobs to the elderly, and create a chance for all generations, from children to seniors, to communicate and empathize through the subject of General Gang Gamchan.

Gwanak-gu is implementing various reading culture promotion policies to expand residents' enjoyment of reading culture, including ▲the establishment of themed libraries ▲a direct lending system at neighborhood bookstores ▲activation of reading clubs ▲and the establishment of a non-face-to-face reading culture.

Mayor Park Junhee said, “I hope the Gang Gamchan picture book will be used as a beneficial historical and cultural educational resource for many children, and we will continue to build a differentiated identity unique to the district and enhance competitiveness through various cultural and tourism projects based on the history and culture of General Gang Gamchan.”