Eunpyeong-gu 'Bulgwangcheon Senior Rest Area (Janggi and Baduk Room)' Operation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] “We could only play Janggi (Korean chess) and Baduk (Go) at welfare centers or senior centers, so I’m happy that a new space has been created. There are about 100 people playing Janggi and Baduk under the Bulgwacheon bridge, and it’s great that the environment has changed to a comfortable indoor space with cool air conditioning.”

Yang Jung-woong (78), a representative senior who plays Janggi and Baduk under the Bulgwacheon bridge, welcomed the newly established ‘Janggi and Baduk Room.’

Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) will operate the ‘Bulgwacheon Senior Rest Area’ starting July 27.

The story behind the creation of this ‘Bulgwacheon Senior Rest Area’ goes back a long time. In 2007, the ‘Janggi and Baduk Room’ was installed next to the walking path under Sin-eunggyo Bridge on Bulgwacheon as part of the Seoul Design Foundation’s Urban Gallery Project, and later moved to the embankment near Sin-eunggyo Bridge.

The existing ‘Janggi and Baduk Room’ was prone to flooding damage when heavy rains caused the water level of Bulgwacheon to rise, and its location right next to the bicycle path posed a high risk of safety accidents.

Also, due to its location under the bridge, it was inconvenient for seniors to use because of cold temperatures and hygiene issues.

In particular, in 2018, Typhoon Gaemi destroyed all the chairs and equipment in the Janggi and Baduk Room. The seniors who suffered damage were left devastated.

In response, Eunpyeong-gu took action. Since 2018, through multiple on-site meetings with seniors to gather various opinions, the current location was decided and the project was promoted.

In February, when the construction of the Bulgwacheon Senior Rest Area was in full swing, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the existing Janggi and Baduk Room, which usually had over 200 daily users, for more than five months.

Although there were some difficulties and trial and error with some seniors due to the prolonged facility closure, most seniors actively participated in social distancing, which made the opening of the new ‘Bulgwacheon Senior Rest Area’ possible.

Facilities for the elderly population will inevitably become more necessary in the future. According to Statistics Korea, by 2045, Korea’s elderly population will reach 37%, making it the most aged country in the world. The increase in the elderly population affects the economy and society as a whole. Reflecting this, the ‘Bulgwacheon Senior Rest Area’ is not just a facility for a specific age group but a facility preparing for our future.

The ‘Bulgwacheon Senior Rest Area’ will be an open rest area where any senior aged 65 or older residing in Eunpyeong-gu can freely play Janggi and Baduk regardless of gender, and seniors themselves will operate the facility. However, to prevent COVID-19, it will operate on a shortened schedule from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the time being, with a maximum daily capacity of 30 people. Disinfection and ventilation will be conducted three times daily?9 to 10 a.m., 1 to 2 p.m., and 5 to 6 p.m.?and visitors must strictly follow quarantine rules such as facial recognition temperature checks, hand sanitizing, and signing the visitor log.

Inside, wooden furniture such as desks and chairs for playing Janggi and Baduk, and benches for waiting are provided. These were directly made by the ‘Udangtangtang Wood Workshop,’ a senior job project promoted by Eunpyeong-gu, adding more meaning to the senior rest area.

Mayor Kim Mi-kyung said, “When I used to walk along Bulgwacheon a long time ago, it was heartbreaking to see seniors playing Janggi and Baduk in hot or cold weather. I hope this rest area for seniors will allow them to enjoy their leisure time more comfortably. However, we will also thoroughly prepare to comply with COVID-19 prevention measures.”