[Seoul District News] Jungnang-gu Saves Elderly Living Alone with AI Speakers... Yongsan-gu Hosts National Intangible Cultural Heritage Fan Exhibition by Kim Dong-sik, Master Craftsman... Gwanak-gu Holds Online Residents' General Assembly in Seonghyeon-dong and Others
Yeongdeungpo-gu Accelerates ‘Shingil Station Area Redevelopment Project’ … Approval Granted for Redevelopment Association Establishment
Yeongdeungpo-gu (Mayor Chae Hyun-il) announced on July 5 that it has approved the establishment of the redevelopment association related to the construction of public rental housing in the Shingil Station area redevelopment project (hereinafter referred to as the Shingil Station Area Redevelopment Project).
The redevelopment project site covers a large area totaling 25,489 m² around 39-3 Shingil-dong. According to the revised Seoul Metropolitan Government ordinance on ‘Operation Standards for Station Area Housing and Public Rental Housing Construction’ amended last year, the area was upgraded to a quasi-residential zone.
This area is one of the regions with strong resident aspirations for regional development and residential environment improvement, having shown a high consent rate of 76.99% during the review for forming the association establishment promotion committee held on May 27, 2019. Subsequently, in June 2020, a residents’ general meeting was held to select maintenance and design companies; in November, an estimated contribution verification committee was convened; in March 2021, association establishment consent forms were sequentially numbered and notarized; and on May 21, the association was formally established through the inaugural general meeting where the association president was elected and the articles of association finalized, completing preparations for approval.
On July 5, final approval was granted with a consent rate of 85.87%, having obtained agreement from 304 out of 354 landowners.
(The total number of association members is 351 when excluding duplicate members from the same household.)
Going forward, the district plans to accelerate the redevelopment project while thoroughly verifying related matters such as whether the area is subject to sale under Article 36 of the ‘Seoul Metropolitan Government Urban and Residential Environment Maintenance Ordinance,’ even though the association membership status can be transferred until the management disposition plan is approved.
Upon completion of the Shingil Station Area project, urban infrastructure such as roads, parks, and daycare centers, social welfare facilities, and 999 apartment units (including 428 rental housing units) will be established.
Yeongdeungpo-gu Mayor Chae Hyun-il stated, “As the residents’ strong desire for the smooth progress of the Shingil Station Area Redevelopment Project is great, we will strive to carry out the entire redevelopment process, including the establishment of the association, without any setbacks to create a pleasant and livable residential environment.”
"Aria, save me!"... Jungnang-gu Saves Lives of Elderly Living Alone Using AI Speakers
“Aria, save me!” On the evening of the 9th, Mr. Jang (64), an elderly resident living alone in Junghwa-dong, suddenly experienced indigestion and severe abdominal pain. At that moment, he called 119 by voice command through an artificial intelligence (AI) speaker, and thanks to the prompt response of the 119 rescue team, he was quickly transported to the hospital and overcame the crisis.
Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) has introduced AI speakers and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to address welfare blind spots amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, which has made face-to-face care difficult, receiving positive responses from the elderly.
In April this year, the district selected 50 elderly people aged 65 or older at high risk of depression living alone in the area and installed AI speakers in their homes in cooperation with the district-run Sinnae Senior Welfare Center. The AI speakers installed at home provide 24-hour SOS functions as well as various content such as music listening, medication reminders, and brain exercises, supporting both safety and emotional care for the elderly.
Real-time safety is also monitored through IoT devices. If there is no movement for more than 8 hours, the IoT device recognizes it as an emergency and immediately sends an alert to the dedicated life support worker, who can then check on the resident by phone or home visit. The district has installed IoT devices capable of detecting movement in the homes of 519 elderly living alone this year and is conducting monitoring.
Gwanak-gu Holds Online Residents’ General Meetings for Seonghyeon-dong and Other Resident Autonomy Associations
Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) is holding residents’ general meetings in six pilot neighborhoods of the Seoul-type Resident Autonomy Association until the 20th to decide on neighborhood projects for 2022.
The ‘Seoul-type Resident Autonomy Association’ is a resident self-governing organization that carries out activities to revitalize resident autonomy and community by discovering issues, establishing autonomy plans, and executing projects to solve village problems by residents themselves.
Unlike the existing ‘Resident Autonomy Committee,’ which only had authority to deliberate and decide on community center operations and consult on district administration, the autonomy association holds actual decision-making power. The residents’ general meeting is held with participation of at least 0.5% of the resident population of the neighborhood and is a place where residents directly decide and implement autonomy plans, strengthening autonomy rights and responsibilities.
This year’s third residents’ general meeting began on the 8th in Jungang-dong. Due to the elevation of social distancing to Level 4 in the metropolitan area from the 12th, the meetings in five pilot neighborhoods?Seorim-dong, Cheongnyong-dong, Seonghyeon-dong, Sinsa-dong, and Sillim-dong?were changed to online format.
Through these meetings, the autonomy plans created by the resident autonomy associations will be shared with residents and decided upon through voting. The results of the advance voting and next year’s autonomy plans will be posted on the Gwanakcheong Resident Autonomy Association bulletin board online in July. The agenda includes ‘Resident Activity Support Projects through Resident Tax Refunds’ and ‘Neighborhood-level Citizen Participation Budget Projects,’ and the approved project plans will be implemented as next year’s resident autonomy projects led by the resident autonomy associations in public-private cooperation.
Yongsan-gu Hosts Special Exhibition of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Fan Maker Kim Dong-sik
Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seong Chang-hyun) Yongsan Craft Center (274 Itaewon-ro) is holding a special exhibition titled ‘Fan, Gentle Breeze’ featuring National Intangible Cultural Heritage fan maker Kim Dong-sik.
This is the third special exhibition this year. Kim Dong-sik (78), holder of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 128, is the fourth-generation maker of hapjukseon (folding fans made of bamboo and paper) in Jeonju. He learned the craft from his late maternal grandfather, master Ra Hak-cheon, during his childhood and has carried on the tradition for over 60 years. He has received awards such as the 31st Korea Traditional Craft Competition Honorable Mention in 2006 and the Bronze Prize at the 30th Jeollabuk-do Craft Competition in 2007. He has also held exhibitions including ‘Korea’s Summer, Enjoying Vacation and Rest’ in 2018 and ‘Hapjukseon, 60 Years’ in 2020.
The ‘Fan, Gentle Breeze’ exhibition features over 30 works including Baekjeopyunseon, Baekjeopseon, dyed Baekjeopseon, three-year-old carved lacquer fans, indigo-dyed fans, and mini silk fans. Tools and materials used directly by the master are also displayed.
The exhibition runs until August 29 on the 4th floor exhibition hall of the Craft Center. Baek Yeon-bin (39), who visited on the 13th, said, “The world of fans was truly diverse,” and added, “I would like to try making a fan with my child.”
Yongsan Craft Center is a hub for local craft culture. It has three basement floors and four above-ground floors with a total floor area of 2,800 m², including a craft product sales area (1st floor), ceramics and hanbok experience center (2nd floor), craft learning and workshop spaces (3rd floor), and exhibition hall (4th floor), and offers various craft classes.
In May, it held a special craft experience event for Children’s Day, receiving positive responses from family visitors. This year’s special exhibitions also included ‘Flowers Bloomed from Clay (Special Exhibition of the Korean Contemporary Ceramics Association)’ and ‘Becoming a Thousand-Year-Old Tree (Special Exhibition of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 55 Woodcraft Master Kim Dong-gyu).’ The exhibitions can be revisited virtually via VR on the Craft Center’s website.
Gangnam-gu Offers AI Interview Experience Vouchers to 500 Job Seekers
Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jung Soon-gyun) is providing ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) Interview Free Experience Vouchers’ to 500 people on a first-come, first-served basis until November to enhance the non-face-to-face interview capabilities of young job seekers.
The district planned this project based on the increasing demand from job seekers for virtual interview practice services as more companies adopt AI interviews for recruitment.
This program is an app-based service that helps individuals practice interviews alone. It offers 50 sessions each of AI interview practice and analysis with a one-year validity period. Participants select questions in their field of interest and conduct interviews, with AI instantly analyzing the recorded videos. Expert coaching is included. By repeatedly watching their recorded interview videos, participants can check their interview attitude and habits.
Applicants must be young job seekers aged 19 to 39 looking for employment. Applications can be made on the district office website (gangnam.go.kr). The district has separately prepared 70 vouchers for socially vulnerable groups and will prioritize their allocation.
Dongjak-gu Recruits Students for University-Linked Lifelong Education ‘Dongjak Value School’
Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) plans to operate ‘Dongjak Value School’ to provide lifelong education opportunities to residents by utilizing excellent educational infrastructure of universities.
Last month, the district recruited institutions to operate university-linked lifelong education programs, selecting five universities and six programs: Soongsil University, Chung-Ang University, Chongshin University, Seoul National University, and Sookmyung Women’s University. Soongsil University will first run a software expert training course focusing on coding and problem-solving skills through computers.
Chung-Ang University will conduct programs such as ‘Enhancing Community Awareness and Leadership of Dongjak Leaders’ focusing on learning the role of community leaders, and ‘First Steps as a Docent (Art Interpreter)’ to understand docent duties and art market trends. Chongshin University will operate a ‘Kalimba Certification Integrated Acquisition and Employment Connection Course’ teaching basic understanding and performance of the African traditional instrument kalimba.
Seoul National University’s program ‘The Space That Creates Me, and I Create the Space’ explores land, space, architecture, and residential culture comprehensively through various fields. Sookmyung Women’s University will run a ‘Senior Health and Leisure Instructor Course’ to enhance the abilities of senior instructors. Residents or local workers can apply through the district office website’s lifelong learning center by the 20th. If applications exceed capacity, a computerized lottery will be held. Tuition fees range from 20,000 to 30,000 KRW per program, with materials and textbooks charged separately.
Classes will be held from August to November in university classrooms and online. However, schedules may change or switch to online depending on COVID-19 social distancing measures. For details, contact the district office website or the Education Policy Division.
Gangseo-gu Health Center Introduces ‘Integrated Information System’ for Screening Clinics
Seoul’s Gangseo-gu (Mayor Noh Hyun-song) has introduced an integrated information system for screening clinics using information and communication technology.
This is aimed at conducting safe and rapid medical examinations in response to the recent rapid spread of COVID-19.
Previously, visitors to health center screening clinics had to fill out paper questionnaires manually for epidemiological investigations.
Writing various questionnaire items in a limited space took a lot of time and raised concerns about cross-infection of COVID-19 among testees.
Therefore, the district introduced the integrated support system for screening clinics and began full operation.
Residents visiting the Gangseo-gu Health Center screening clinic can now fill out electronic questionnaires on-site using their smartphones.
By scanning a QR code available at the site with a smartphone, visitors are linked to the electronic questionnaire. After completing the questionnaire, a barcode is generated, which is used for simple identity verification to immediately proceed with the COVID-19 test.
Since visitors can fill out the questionnaire individually before waiting, waiting times and cross-infection risks are expected to be greatly reduced.
Additionally, the system streamlines the process from test result registration and notification to reporting to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency through a computerized system, minimizing personal information exposure.
The QR code-based electronic questionnaire is only available at the Gangseo-gu Health Center screening clinic and is not implemented at the temporary screening clinic in Magok 8 District public parking lot.
Nowon-gu Holds Admissions Strategy Briefings on the 24th at 11 AM and 2 PM... Live Broadcast on YouTube Channel
Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced it will hold admissions briefings and one-on-one consultations for early admissions for examinees and parents ahead of the 2022 early application period.
The goal is to provide detailed practical information necessary for early admissions to help establish systematic strategies for successful college admissions.
The early admissions strategy briefings will be held twice on the 24th at 11 AM (humanities track) and 2 PM (science track). The lectures will be broadcast live on the YouTube channel ‘Nowon-gu Office Mihongssi,’ allowing parents and students to tune in at the respective times.
The briefing will be conducted by public admissions officer Lee Seok-rok. It will cover ▲Features and prospects of 2022 early admissions compared to the previous year ▲Strategies by track ▲Q&A, with each session lasting 120 minutes.
In response to the high interest shown in the joint military academy admissions briefing held in May, the district initially planned to hold both on-site lectures at the district office’s 6th-floor small auditorium and online broadcasts. However, due to the implementation of Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area, it was decided to proceed with online broadcasts only.
One-on-one free consultations for early admissions are also prepared. Five current teachers belonging to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education’s University Admission Counseling Team will participate. Consultations will be held from 4 PM to 9:40 PM, with each teacher conducting seven sessions per day. Each student will have a 40-minute session, held at the Nowon Education Platform counseling rooms (Junggye 2 and 3-dong).
The number of participants is limited to 105 Nowon-gu residents or students and parents from local schools, on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications open on the 16th at 2 PM via the Nowon-gu Office website’s integrated application window.
For more details, contact the Nowon Education Platform.
The district expects that the briefing and consultations will greatly help alleviate the anxiety of examinees and parents who have experienced an especially confusing admissions period due to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the Nowon Education Platform ‘NEP (Nowon Education Platform),’ opened in April, was created to allow students and parents to access scattered educational information in one place. It features two lecture rooms, three counseling rooms, rest areas, and offers various programs such as comprehensive learning coaching and career counseling tailored to individual learning abilities.
Mapo-gu Adds Temporary Screening Clinic at ‘Hongik Cultural Park’ in Front of Hongik University (19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil)... Operating a Total of 3 Screening Clinics
Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) is making every effort to alleviate inconveniences for residents visiting clinics and testing centers for COVID-19 diagnosis and to reduce fatigue among on-site medical staff by creating a comfortable environment.
Since the 12th, the district has added a temporary screening clinic at ‘Hongik Cultural Park’ (19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil), a high foot traffic area in front of Hongik University, operating a total of three screening clinics and testing centers: Mapo-gu Health Center Screening Clinic, Sogang University Station Plaza Temporary Screening Clinic, and Hongik Cultural Park Temporary Screening Clinic.
All three locations have installed shade tents and canopies to provide relief for visitors who may face long waiting times. Especially at the Sogang University Station Plaza Temporary Screening Clinic, an additional 80 meters of shade was installed recently, bringing the total shaded area to 110 meters.
Additionally, seating for mobility-vulnerable groups and large umbrellas to prepare for sudden rain have been provided.
The district has increased support personnel including medical staff and administrative workers to reduce fatigue from battling both COVID-19 and the heat, with plans to further increase support staff.
Ice vests, neckband fans, and cool scarves will also be distributed to help medical staff cool down.
These various support measures are proactive steps to prepare for the explosive increase in COVID-19 tests, aiming to provide a more comfortable environment for residents, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
Mayor Yoo said, “I always feel sorry for the medical staff and workers who are sweating hard on-site,” and added, “We will continue to do our best to expand convenience facilities at temporary screening clinics and screening centers to alleviate inconveniences for residents and medical staff staying on-site.”
Gangdong-gu Holds ‘Cooperative Gangdong Open Debate’ Online
Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jung-hoon) held the ‘Cooperative Gangdong Open Debate’ online on the 13th, where residents directly decide on the 2022 public-private cooperative implementation projects.
Since March, the district, under the leadership of the Cooperative Gangdong Council (private chair Kim Yong-im), has identified 54 projects that can be collaboratively executed by the public and private sectors over a month. After 14 joint public-private meetings, eight final projects were presented at this debate.
The debate was held online to prevent COVID-19 infection. Residents listened to explanations about the project selection process and reviewed the effectiveness, cooperativeness, and appropriateness of the projects to decide which are suitable for implementation next year.
As a result, the priority projects for next year’s public-private cooperation include ▲Citizen Practice for Carbon Neutrality 2050 ▲10 Years of Observation, 10 Years of Support, 10 Years of Care ▲Workplaces Where Local Communities and Women Create Happiness Together ‘Dahaeng’ ▲Our Neighborhood Labor Counseling Cafe △Resident Talk Talk Plaza, among others. The selected projects will be funded with approximately 1 billion KRW of city budget and implemented starting next year.
Mayor Lee Jung-hoon said, “I hope this debate will serve as an opportunity for residents to discover policies they truly want and continuously increase interest and participation in public-private cooperation.”
Jongno-gu’s 8 Billion KRW Jongno Love Gift Certificates Sold Out in One Hour
Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) proved the high popularity of the Jongno Love Gift Certificates issued at 8 billion KRW on the 12th by selling out within one hour of sales start.
The Jongno Love Gift Certificates were introduced to boost sales for small business owners struggling due to ongoing social distancing measures and to invigorate the local economy by offering consumers discount benefits.
Previously, 25 billion KRW was issued in 2020 and 15 billion KRW in February 2021, both selling out completely. The district plans to issue an additional 7 billion KRW of Jongno Love Gift Certificates on September 6, totaling 15 billion KRW for the second half of 2021.
Individuals can purchase up to 700,000 KRW per month, with a holding limit of 2 million KRW. The certificates can be used for up to five years from the purchase date.
The discount rate is 10%, and the certificates are issued in mobile form in denominations of 10,000 KRW, 50,000 KRW, and 100,000 KRW. Purchasers receive discount benefits and a 30% income deduction without needing to request a separate cash receipt, making it convenient.
Purchases can be made through 20 mobile apps including Beeple Zero Pay, Check Pay, Money Tree, Payco, and T-money Pay, and can be used at about 13,000 Zero Pay affiliated stores in the area. However, usage is restricted at large supermarkets, department stores, large private academies, and major corporate-affiliated cinemas.
As of the 12th, the total payment amount using Jongno Love Gift Certificates is approximately 34.5 billion KRW, with about 980,000 transactions.
Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “The Jongno Love Gift Certificates were issued to provide discount and income deduction benefits to citizens with light wallets and to support small business owners with full exemption of payment fees and increased sales. We will continue to implement solid policies that help local small businesses suffering from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and promote responsible consumption.”
Songpa-gu Accepts Nominations for Songpa Citizen Award Candidates
Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Sung-soo) is accepting nominations for candidates for the ‘Songpa Citizen Award’ until August 10, recognizing exemplary citizens and organizations contributing to making ‘Songpa Leading Seoul.’
The ‘Songpa Citizen Award’ is an award system that honors citizens who quietly serve the community and serve as social role models, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Award categories include Citizen Grand Prize, Filial Piety Award, Volunteer Award, Model Youth Award, Citizen Harmony Award, Education and Culture & Sports Award, Regional Economic Revitalization Award, and Civil Society Organization Award. Among these, the Citizen Grand Prize is awarded to one citizen (or organization) with the most outstanding achievements among candidates in each category.
Nominees must be individuals or organizations who have resided or operated a business in Songpa-gu for more than three years as of the announcement date (July 12, 2021). However, the Education and Culture & Sports Award, Regional Economic Revitalization Award, and Civil Society Organization Award have no residency restrictions.
Nominations can be made jointly by 10 or more residents through the local dong office or by heads of related organizations, school principals, or two or more district council members for each category.
Nominees undergo strict screening by the Songpa Citizen Award Screening Committee and are selected as final recipients, receiving commemorative plaques. Awards will be presented at the Songpa Citizen’s Day ceremony in September, subject to change depending on COVID-19 conditions.
Nomination submissions are accepted from July 12 to August 10. Completed nomination forms and required documents should be submitted to the Songpa-gu Autonomous Administration Division or local dong community centers. Forms can be downloaded from the district website.
Guro-gu Provides a Total of 5.896 Billion KRW in Loans for SMEs and Small Business Owners in the Second Half of the Year
Guro-gu (Mayor Lee Sung) will provide loans totaling 5.896 billion KRW in the second half of the year to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small business owners.
The loan support is divided into SME development funds and commercial bank cooperation funds. The SME development fund amounts to 3.07 billion KRW with an annual interest rate of 1.5%.
The commercial bank cooperation fund totals 2.826 billion KRW, where if the bank loan interest rate exceeds 1.8%, the district compensates up to 1% annual interest rate of the bank’s rate.
Repayment conditions are a one-year grace period followed by four years of equal installments twice a year. SMEs can borrow up to 200 million KRW, and small business owners up to 50 million KRW.
Applicants must have a business place in Guro-gu and have been registered for at least six months, with SMEs having five or more regular employees and small business owners fewer than five.
Applications for the SME development fund are accepted from the 14th of this month to August 11. Applications for the commercial bank cooperation fund are accepted for five days at the beginning of each month (excluding weekends and holidays) to ensure timely funding.
Applicants can download application forms from the district website, complete them, and visit the district’s Regional Economy Division to apply.
Guro-gu will select target companies considering loan application history, requested amount, and eligibility for preferential items over the past four years and plans to execute loans starting September this year.
Dobong-gu Ssangmun Cha-eum Library Launches ‘Book Cafe Gallery’
Dobong-gu (Mayor Lee Dong-jin) Ssangmun Cha-eum Library has newly opened the ‘Book Cafe Gallery’ from July 1. The Book Cafe Gallery, created through space renovation, is located in the first-floor book cafe of Ssangmun Cha-eum Library, allowing local residents to enjoy art exhibitions at the library.
The first exhibition at the Book Cafe Gallery is the ‘Andy Warhol Special Exhibition,’ showcasing nine Andy Warhol-related works based on posters used in the Andy Warhol exhibition until the end of September.
Through this exhibition, the library plans to introduce the works of Andy Warhol, the king of pop art and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, close to everyday life for local residents.
In the ‘Art Plus’ art-specialized bookshelf located in the library’s general reference room, visitors can check exhibition catalogs and original books related to the exhibiting artists. Using a tablet PC, visitors can conveniently access curator-provided book curation explaining the artworks.
Dobong-gu Mayor Lee Dong-jin said, “We will continue to prepare many programs so that Ssangmun Cha-eum Library can establish itself as a ‘complex cultural and artistic space’ where residents can view exhibitions in the gallery and access related books and book curation in the reading room.”
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