Yeongdeungpo-gu Deploys Shuttle Buses for COVID-19 Vaccination of Severely Disabled Individuals

[Seoul District News] Shuttle Buses Operated at Each Vaccination Center Until August 5 with Wheelchair Access... Dongjak-gu Expands Preemptive Testing to Block Community Spread... Eunpyeong-gu Receives Donations for Medical Staff at Screening Clinics Amid Heatwave... Seodaemun-gu Cracks Down on Overheated Competition in Bukgajwa 6 District to Protect Union Members... Gangdong-gu Creates 3.1 Movement Commemorative Theme Garden in Sangil-ri... Dobong-gu Banghak 3-dong Balbal Park Renovated... Gwangjin-gu Holds Ontact Children's Civic Debate... Nowon-gu Wolgye 1-dong ‘Ttobagi Maeul’ Alley

Yeongdeungpo-gu Deploys Shuttle Bus for COVID-19 Vaccination of Severely Disabled

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yeongdeungpo-gu (Mayor Chae Hyun-il) has started COVID-19 vaccination for severely disabled individuals and is operating shuttle buses to facilitate transportation for those with mobility difficulties.

Since June 28, the district began vaccinating severely disabled individuals aged 18 to 49 who had given prior consent for voluntary vaccination. This proactive measure was taken ahead of the government's August vaccination plan to cover the blind spots in vaccination for the severely disabled.

Additionally, shuttle buses are running to each vaccination center to ensure safer and more convenient access for the severely disabled. Anyone eligible for vaccination during the period can use the shuttle without prior application. The shuttle service will operate from July 29 to August 5 for the first dose period and from August 25 to September 3 for the second dose period.

The district expects that operating shuttle buses will improve mobility convenience for disabled individuals, including wheelchair users, thereby increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates among this underserved group.

One bus each is assigned to the 1st Vaccination Center (Yeongdeungpo Art Hall) and the 2nd Vaccination Center (Yeongdeungpo 1st Sports Center), running round trips. The buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and securing devices, allowing up to 23-29 passengers, including 8-10 wheelchair users.

To assist safe boarding and alighting of severely disabled passengers, one staff member rides as a safety officer on each shuttle. These designated safety officers monitor COVID-19 prevention measures such as temperature checks, hand sanitization, and mask-wearing, and maintain emergency communication with bus drivers and local community center disability departments.

Additional support personnel are stationed at designated stops in each neighborhood to assist disabled passengers with safe boarding and alighting.

Shuttle buses can be boarded at designated locations in each neighborhood. Since operating times and boarding locations vary by neighborhood, detailed information can be obtained by contacting the Yeongdeungpo-gu Social Welfare Division or the respective community center.

Mayor Chae Hyun-il stated, “We have launched shuttle buses to ensure that severely disabled individuals with limited mobility can safely receive COVID-19 vaccinations. We will continue to carefully implement various welfare policies to enhance the safety and convenience of disabled residents.”

Dongjak-gu Expands Proactive Testing to Block Community Transmission

Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) is taking measures to identify hidden COVID-19 infections within the community to prevent the fourth large wave of infections and block community transmission at its source.

Despite the recent extension and elevation to Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area, cluster infections continue to rise in multi-use facilities such as saunas and academies, prompting proactive preventive actions.

On July 12, Dongjak-gu and Seoul City issued an administrative order requiring COVID-19 diagnostic testing for academy and tutoring center workers, as well as restaurant and cafe operators and staff, to be completed by July 21. They are also conducting on-site visits to encourage proactive testing at multi-use facilities.

The district plans to strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy, imposing fines up to 2 million KRW for non-compliance with the administrative order.

Additionally, since June 29, the district has been recruiting restaurants and cafes, mainly frequented by people in their 20s and 30s, to participate in monthly proactive testing. A total of 4,360 establishments are targeted.

Participating businesses will receive incentives such as certification stickers, support with disinfectants and other supplies, and bonus points when applying for Seoul-style Safe Restaurants.

Businesses wishing to participate can apply by submitting the proactive testing participation application form via email (jiwon0426@dongjak.go.kr).

In preparation for the second semester school reopening, the district also recommended COVID-19 proactive testing by August 6 for family members of students attending 78 local kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools.

Jung Woo-seok, Director of the Health and Hygiene Division, urged, “As infections continue to spread in daily life, we are recruiting restaurants and cafes for periodic proactive testing. We ask residents to actively participate and undergo diagnostic testing proactively to block community transmission.”

Following the elevation to Level 4 social distancing on July 12, the district added a screening clinic in the district office parking lot and extended operating hours of existing screening clinics, increasing daily testing capacity to about 5,000 tests to respond proactively.

Eunpyeong-gu Receives Consecutive Donations for Medical Staff at Screening Clinics Amid Heatwave

With the recent resurgence of COVID-19 infections, temporary screening clinics are experiencing long queues. Medical staff supporting these clinics are enduring double hardships amid the sweltering heat.

Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced that on June 20, an anonymous resident donated 50 cooling vests to the COVID-19 temporary screening clinics.

The 50 cooling vests and boxes of beverages were delivered to the temporary screening clinics. Although the donor chose to remain anonymous, they are a resident of Eunpyeong-gu and were moved to donate after witnessing the medical staff, workers, and officials working under harsh conditions amid recent heatwaves and heavy rains.

The anonymous donor expressed, “Everyone is exhausted and struggling due to the heatwave, but I want to show my gratitude to the workers who wear protective suits and follow quarantine rules to prevent infections.”

A district official responded, “We are grateful for this warm yet refreshing donation during these difficult times. We will continue to do our best in quarantine efforts until a worry-free world from COVID-19 arrives.”

Eunpyeong-gu currently operates four COVID-19 testing sites: the Public Health Center screening clinic, Eunpyeong Peace Park (Exit 4 of Yeokchon Station), Gupabal Artificial Waterfall Meeting Plaza (Exit 1 of Gupabal Station), and Seoul Innovation Park drive-thru temporary screening clinic.

Seodaemun-gu Cracks Down on Overheated Competition in Bukgajwa 6 District to Prevent Member Losses

The housing reconstruction project in Seoul’s Bukgajwa 6 District, involving approximately 1,900 households, is showing signs of overheated competition for contract awards.

In response, Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) announced on August 3 that it will mobilize all available administrative resources to strengthen supervision and operate a special task force to crack down on illegal activities.

If a construction company is selected and later found to have violated laws, the bid will be invalidated, requiring a new selection process and causing project delays that harm cooperative members.

Moreover, excessive project promises made by construction companies during the bidding competition often are not reflected or are changed during the contract phase.

On August 2, Mayor Moon presided over a countermeasure meeting at the district office’s planning situation room, instructing, “Thoroughly review all materials related to contractor selection to eliminate corruption caused by overheated competition among construction companies, and take strict action against any violations.”

He also urged, “Prevent false, exaggerated, or illegal promotional activities beyond legally reviewed and confirmed information so that cooperative members can make informed decisions.”

Last week, the district prohibited promotion of items such as cooperative member discount prices, additional sales revenue, department store-linked integrated development, and sky community installation in the ‘project proposal comparison tables’ of two bidding construction companies to prevent misunderstandings among members.

The district also requested the cooperative to extend the originally planned nine-day ‘joint promotional briefing and exhibition’ period starting August 5 to at least three weeks, allowing members ample time to compare and review proposals.

Despite strengthened supervision, the district will operate a six-person internal task force and a reporting center to prevent false, exaggerated, or illegal promotional activities during contractor selection.

The task force will continuously monitor the cooperative’s official app, member cafes, and social media, patrol construction company exhibition halls and Bukgajwa 6 District to crack down on illegal activities.

Targets include bribery, individual promotions, defamation of competitors, and promotion of unapproved items outside the ‘confirmed comparison table.’

On the day of the cooperative members’ general meeting for contractor selection, related department staff and public lawyers will attend to investigate any legal violations.

Furthermore, to prevent member losses from contract cost increases differing from project proposals, the district plans to conduct prior verification by receiving and reviewing contractor project proposals, confirmed comparison tables, and contracts before signing between the selected construction company and cooperative.

Mayor Moon instructed, “If illegal activities such as individual promotions are detected, disqualify the bidder according to the bid announcement and notify the cooperative and project agent to forfeit the bid bond to the cooperative.”

He added, “If bribery or other illegal acts occur during contractor selection, take legal action against not only the construction company but also corporate representatives under the Urban and Residential Environment Improvement Act, report to Seoul City, and enforce cancellation of contractor selection and imposition of fines.”

The Bukgajwa 6 District reconstruction project covers approximately 106,656㎡ in Bukgajwa 1-dong 327-1 area, constructing about 1,900 apartment units across 23 buildings.

Gangdong-gu Creates 3.1 Movement Commemorative Themed Garden in Sangil-ri

Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jung-hoon) is creating a ‘3.1 Movement Commemorative Themed Garden’ in the Sangil-dong waterfront park area (511 Sangil-dong).

This themed garden project was initiated to honor the spirit of the March 1st Movement and preserve the historic site, remembering the fierce demonstrations by over 1,000 independence activists near the military police station in Sangil-ri during the movement. It reflects the residents’ aspirations.

After starting feasibility studies last year and completing related procedures such as park review, construction began this month with a goal to complete by October.

The project covers 1,170㎡ in the Sangil-dong waterfront park with a budget of 350 million KRW.

The garden will feature a water pond, symbolic landscaping, murals depicting modern independence movement history, and a commemorative site, serving not only as a sacred place for the 3.1 Movement but also as a space for historical experience and relaxation.

Mayor Lee Jung-hoon said, “The 3.1 Movement Commemorative Themed Garden will be a space to share the struggles and pain of the common people during Japanese colonial rule in Sangil-ri and to honor the immortal spirit of the independence movement.”

Dobong-gu’s Banghak 3-dong Balbadak Park Renovated

Dobong-gu (Mayor Lee Dong-jin) has completed renovations of Balbadak Park (270-1 Banghak 3-dong) and reopened it to residents.

Balbadak Park, a natural ecological park with Banghak Stream flowing through and large trees, serves as a connecting axis and resting place linking historical sites along Ssangmun History Walk’s footprint section, becoming a cherished space for residents.

Established in 2002 and loved by residents for nearly 20 years, parts of Balbadak Park had aged. To ensure safety and a more pleasant environment, renovations were conducted over about two months starting in April.

Improvements include: converting the existing wet clay path into a foot health path (acupressure and dry clay paths); expanding the ecological pond for nature experience and observation (adding observation decks, planting flowers, releasing fish); and resurfacing old walking paths with eco-friendly cork paving to enhance convenience.

Vegetation was also supplemented with 7 tall trees such as king cherry trees, 8,430 small trees including mountain azaleas, and 23,590 herbaceous plants like Heuchera, adding refreshing greenery for summer.

A Dobong-gu resident visiting the park with their child said, “I often come here because it’s close to home. Since COVID-19 limits travel, I came with my daughter after hearing about the renovations. The added fish and new plants make my child very happy.”

Since late July, a ‘Heatwave Escape Refrigerator’ providing free cold water has been installed near the environmental classroom and is operating through the end of August, receiving positive feedback from residents exercising and walking.

Mayor Lee Dong-jin said, “Balbadak Park in Banghak 3-dong is beloved by residents. Amid the popularity of outdoor walks during COVID-19, we renovated it to create a unique healing space in Dobong-gu. We ask residents to use it actively while following COVID-19 prevention guidelines.”

Pre-training

Gwangjin-gu Holds Ontact Children’s Civic Debate

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Sun-gap) will hold an ‘Ontact Children’s Civic Debate’ on the 7th from 2 PM for 120 minutes.

The debate aims to gather diverse opinions from children, youth, and citizens to lay the foundation for the second phase of creating a child-friendly city.

The event will take place at the Gwangjin-gu Office auditorium and online (YouTube, Zoom), with 70 participants including children, youth, and related experts. Representatives from each group, who have undergone prior training, will participate after collecting opinions from surrounding children and youth.

Discussions will cover seven topics related to child-friendly city creation: play and leisure; participation and civic awareness; child rights strategy development, promotion, and impact assessment; health and social services; educational environment; residential environment; and safety and protection.

After the debate, three judges including heads of local child-related institutions will evaluate and award prizes such as the Child-Friendly City Light Award, Truth Award, Creative Imagination Award, and Best Atmosphere Award.

Mayor Kim Sun-gap said, “This debate will be a communication platform for children and youth to participate in policy proposals ahead of the second phase of child-friendly city creation. We will continue to do our best to build a happy Gwangjin where children’s dreams come true.”

Gwangjin-gu has been operating the first phase of the child-friendly city since 2016, certified by UNICEF, and continues to develop and implement various policies to create a city where children are happy.

Nowon-gu Completes Alleyway Regeneration in Wolgye 1-dong ‘Ttobagi Village’

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) has completed the alleyway regeneration project in Wolgye 1-dong, known as ‘Ttobagi Village.’

The alleyway regeneration project focuses on improving residential environments centered on alleyways, the residents’ living spaces, to revitalize communities, moving away from large-scale urban regeneration projects.

Ttobagi Village covers 40,540㎡ around 392-103 Wolgye-dong and was selected as an alleyway regeneration project site in August 2018. Based on a basic plan established in 2019 and after holding resident briefings to gather opinions, construction began in 2020 and was completed this year.

The project focused on building safety infrastructure, environmental maintenance, and expanding themed and convenience facilities.

First, safety infrastructure was installed in crime-prone areas, including 12 security lights and 17 CCTVs, enhancing crime prevention.

The most popular part among residents was environmental maintenance. The 4,400㎡ aged road was repaved with colored and designed surfaces to raise driver awareness, greatly improving the walking environment.

Additionally, reflecting residents’ opinions, gates and fences were unified for consistency, and the area around Yeonchon Sarangbang, a community hub, was newly maintained.

Byuru Children’s Park, serving as a resting place for children and residents, was improved by replacing the old sand floor with rubber chip paving and installing exercise equipment and a pergola for exercise and relaxation.

Other improvements include themed alleyways like small flower paths and alley playgrounds, and installation of secure parcel lockers in front of Wolseong Senior Center and Dalbit Masil Childcare Center, allowing women to use them safely 24/7.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “Through the alleyway regeneration project, the alleys filled with residents’ memories have been reborn as cozy and romantic pedestrian spaces. We will continue to pursue field-centered administration that fosters residents’ pride in their neighborhoods.”

Dongdaemun-gu Supports Two Specialized High Schools for Global Field Learning Program

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) is supporting two specialized high schools in the district (Hwikyung Technical High School and Haesung International Convention High School) with 36.6 million KRW to operate a global field learning program aimed at nurturing global technical talent and expanding students’ overseas employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The specialized high school global field learning program systematically operates and supports various programs to improve foreign language skills, strengthen global job competencies, and cultivate a global mindset for specialized high school students. Dongdaemun-gu selects target schools and provides operating funds in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, students visited overseas schools, attended joint classes with local students, and toured local companies. This year, due to COVID-19, the program will be conducted through alternative methods such as remote (video) job training and shared classes, on-site training at foreign companies based in Korea, and online field learning with companies located abroad.

Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol said, “Despite the COVID-19 situation, we will actively support our students to develop global job competencies. We will continue to do our best to make Dongdaemun-gu a leading educational city by nurturing global future talents.”

Data labeling is a new occupational field involving the collection and processing of data necessary for advancing artificial intelligence technology. Currently, over 700 companies in Korea provide data labeling services.

Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seong Jang-hyun) is offering a free ‘AI Learning Data Processing Personnel (Labeler) Training Course’ as part of the district’s public-private cooperation job project funded by the district’s job fund.

The training is conducted by the Seoul Jungbu Technical Education Center (Director Kim Jong-won).

The course runs for 180 hours over 26 days from September 13 to November 3, covering topics such as basic artificial intelligence, graphic technology (Photoshop), and AI learning data processing (labeling).

Applicants must be unemployed Yongsan-gu residents and will be selected through document and interview screening. After completing the course, participants can obtain the Graphic Technology Qualification (GTQ Photoshop) and receive employment support with partner companies.

Applications can be submitted via the education center’s website by September 6. In-person applications at the center are also accepted. The class size is limited to 20.

An education center official said, “Data labeling is attractive because anyone, regardless of age or gender, can do it without commuting, with no time or location constraints.”

The Jungbu Technical Education Center is located at 136 Hannam-daero, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu. Since its establishment in 1957, it has provided various vocational training programs aimed at nurturing global technical talent.

This project is part of the district’s ‘Job Fund Public-Private Cooperation Project,’ which supports organizations such as corporations and non-profits with budget funding. Approximately 200 people completed training in 2019-2020, with about 60% gaining employment.

Mayor Seong Jang-hyun said, “AI learning data labeling has relatively low entry barriers. It can provide stable jobs for young people struggling with employment due to COVID-19 and women with career interruptions.”