[Seoul District News] Eunpyeong-gu Raises 'Jingwansa Taegukgi' Horizontally for Gwangbokjeol... Gangdong-gu Achieves 1.287 Billion KRW Usage in 2021 H1 for '1 Institution-1 Market Partnership' with 816 Uses... Seodaemun-gu Builds 'Smart Tourism Electronic Map'... Seven Citizens Honored as 2024 Seongdong-gu Luminaries... Dobong-gu Peace Culture Base Hosts 'The Meaning of Home You Live In' Exhibition Rediscovering 'Home' Amid Pandemic... Dongdaemun-gu Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center
Jongno-gu Changsin and Sungin Create 'Safe Rider Zones' and Secure Alleyways
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) completed the 'Changsin and Sungin Safe Alleyway Creation Project (Design Sector)' last month, which had been underway since April last year to improve residents' quality of life and establish a foundation for sustainable urban regeneration.
Following the completion of the first phase in 2018 and additional refinements, the project aimed to enhance completeness and contribute to building 'safe and pleasant alleyways' and a 'crime prevention urban environment.'
Considering the prolonged COVID-19 situation, the district held online briefings, surveys, and interviews to incorporate residents' opinions faithfully into the project, focusing on ▲crime safety ▲pedestrian safety ▲fire safety, completing environmental improvements in about 50 locations and installing over 400 facilities.
To improve 'crime and pedestrian safety,' a notable feature is the creation of safety spots and a Safe Rider Zone motorcycle parking lot near the back gate of Changsin Elementary School to help children commute safely and prevent motorcycle accidents. Lighting was enhanced in dark and narrow alleys, and 'house address lighting' with emergency bell functions was installed. Additionally, safety bells were installed in public restrooms to alleviate residents' anxiety.
In collaboration with Jongno Fire Station, visible fire extinguishers were installed in 19 locations, and old emergency fire extinguisher boxes were replaced. Outdoor and underground fire hydrants underwent visibility enhancement work, leading to improvements in the 'fire safety' sector.
Furthermore, together with Hyehwa Police Station and local residents, the district conducted the 'Motorcycle Safe Rider Campaign,' the 'Safe and Secure School Route Campaign' for Changsin Elementary School students, and a 'Vehicle Black Box Awareness Campaign.'
Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “We have continuously strived to create a crime prevention urban environment where women, children, youth, the disabled, and the elderly can live safely,” adding, “We will continue to implement effective related projects prioritizing residents' safety.”
Eunpyeong-gu Displays ‘Jingwansa Taegukgi’ Horizontally for Liberation Day
Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) will display the ‘Jingwansa Taegukgi’ (Registered Cultural Heritage No. 458), discovered at the local temple Jingwansa, as a horizontal flag along major arterial roads in Eunpyeong-gu to commemorate the 76th Liberation Day.
The flag will be displayed for four days from August 13 to 16 along Tongil-ro, Eunpyeong-ro, Jeungsan-ro, Yeonseo-ro, Seooreung-ro, and others. Since 2015, as part of honoring independence activist Baek Chowol, Eunpyeong-gu has raised the Jingwansa Taegukgi annually on March 1st and Liberation Day.
The Registered Cultural Heritage No. 458 ‘Jingwansa Taegukgi’ is the Taegukgi used by Monk Baek Chowol during the independence movement. It was discovered on May 26, 2009, during dismantling and repair work at the Chilseonggak of Jingwansa, found between the altar and pillars. Its dimensions are 89 cm wide, 70 cm tall, with a Taeguk diameter of 32 cm. Independence movement materials were found alongside it, making it a culturally significant artifact.
Notably, the ‘Jingwansa Taegukgi’ is believed to have been made by painting the Japanese imperial flag (Rising Sun Flag) blue, symbolizing strong resistance against Japanese oppression. It also highlights the active exchange between the Buddhist community and the Korean Provisional Government and the role temples like Jingwansa played as important bases in the independence movement. It is an important resource for re-examining the reality and significance of Korea’s independence movement history.
An official from the district said, “We hope our residents proudly feel the great spirit embodied in Monk Baek Chowol’s Jingwansa Taegukgi, a proud symbol of independence.”
Meanwhile, following a joint promotion agreement signed in 2016 for honoring Monk Baek Chowol, the flag is also displayed in Goseong and Hamyang counties in Gyeongnam Province, continuing the commemorative efforts.
Gangdong-gu’s ‘One Institution-One Market Partnership Project’ Achieves 1.287 Billion KRW in Usage in First Half of 2021 (816 Transactions)
Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jung-hoon) is drawing attention for its successful ‘One Institution-One Market Partnership Project’ aimed at supporting traditional markets struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 economic downturn.
The project between the district and traditional markets began out of concern that traditional market businesses were severely impacted by restrictions on outings, decreased consumer sentiment, and avoidance of crowded facilities due to COVID-19.
Since May last year, 29 institutions in Gangdong-gu have signed agreements with six traditional markets in the area, forming sisterhood partnerships. Each institution designates a ‘Traditional Market Together Day’ and actively participates in various consumption promotion programs to support the markets.
With a consensus that public institutions should lead efforts to revitalize the local economy, the project achieved usage of 1,287,144,400 KRW (816 transactions) in the first half of 2021 alone.
Traditional market merchant associations also evaluated the project as significantly helpful to market sales.
An official from the district said, “This partnership project is meaningful because public officials share the difficulties of traditional markets,” adding, “We plan to actively negotiate so that all public institutions in the district can participate in the future.”
Seodaemun-gu Establishes ‘Smart Tourism Electronic Map’
Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) has developed the ‘Seodaemun-gu Smart Tourism Electronic Map’ that allows anyone to conveniently check various cultural, tourism, and living information in real time via smartphones.
This map can be used immediately by searching ‘Seodaemun Electronic Map’ on major domestic portal sites without installing a separate application, or by scanning the provided QR code for easy access.
The map includes Seodaemun-gu’s landmarks, cultural spaces, performance and sports facilities, museums, libraries, workshops, galleries, future heritage sites, cultural assets, shopping areas, exemplary restaurants, parking lots, and accommodations.
Key facilities are represented by well-designed icons that enhance readability and user convenience.
Additionally, GPS integration enables public transportation searches and navigation, and the map supports foreign tourists by adapting to the smartphone’s language settings.
The electronic map also features a ‘Stamp Tour’ function for use in various non-face-to-face programs. For example, the ‘Independence and Democracy Online Tour’ starting on the 14th as part of the 2021 Seodaemun Independence and Democracy Festival can be enjoyed by accessing this map.
Mayor Moon Seok-jin said, “I hope more people can experience Seodaemun-gu’s attractive cultural tourism content and diverse living information through this electronic map.”
Seongdong-gu Identifies Seven Citizens Who Shined This Year
Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) has begun identifying seven citizens who have shined this year.
The district plans to discover and award citizens and groups who volunteer for community development and practice neighborly love, encouraging them and fostering a spirit of unity and courage.
The seven award categories include Volunteer Award, Filial and Good Deed Award, Model Family Award, Brave Citizen Award, Environmental Protection Award, Culture and Arts Award, and Sports Promotion Award. The district aims to find recipients who have served in various fields from family to community.
During last year’s prolonged COVID-19 difficulties and mask shortages, volunteers who made and distributed masks in small gatherings and who volunteered to guide at Seoul’s first Seongdong-gu vaccination center played a crucial role in overcoming tough times together.
Additionally, hidden workers who actively volunteered in environmental protection campaigns and cultural and sports fields, contributing to overcoming COVID blues among residents, will be remembered as the light and salt that foster community harmony and development.
Model citizens are selected through recommendations. Anyone who has resided in Seongdong-gu for more than three years as of the announcement date and has achievements in the relevant categories, including citizens, business representatives, or organizations, can be recommended.
Recommendations can be submitted through the local community chief or department heads at the district office. Recommendation forms, achievement reports and summaries, supporting documents, and photos should be submitted to the Seongdong-gu Office’s Autonomous Administration Division or local community centers by the end of this month via the district website’s notice section.
The district will conduct on-site investigations in September, evaluate long-term consistent activities and dedicated contributions, and select final recipients to be awarded on Seongdong Citizens’ Day, September 28.
Mayor Jung Won-oh said, “Every year, more outstanding and exemplary citizens emerge,” adding, “I ask for your interest and recommendations so that citizens who lead by example and contribute to community harmony and development can be selected.”
Pure Enjet Korea Supports Gangnam-gu Medical Staff and Care Children with Bottled Water
Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jeon Soon-gyun) received support from a New Zealand bottled water company to aid quarantine efforts and child protection amid the heatwave.
Pure Enjet Korea, the Korean importer of Pure Enjet Water, donated 2,664 bottles of Pure Enjet bottled water (1,512 bottles of 500ml and 1,152 bottles of 1.5ℓ) on the 12th to medical staff at the COVID-19 vaccination center and care children in the district.
With the recent spread of COVID-19 and ongoing heatwave, bottled water has become increasingly essential for medical staff and children during summer.
The donation ceremony was held at the Ilwon-dong COVID-19 vaccination center in Gangnam-gu. The water will be distributed to about 150 medical staff at the vaccination center and eight ‘Together Care Centers’ providing care services to elementary school students.
Lee Hee-ok, head of the Volunteer Center, said, “During these difficult times due to COVID-19, corporate volunteer activities are being supported in many places,” expressing gratitude to Pure Enjet Korea for their bottled water support.
Dobong-gu Mayor Lee Dong-jin is visiting the Peace Culture Base and introducing the Peace Culture Base and the Berlin Wall to students.
Dobong-gu Peace Culture Base Hosts ‘The Place Where You Live’ Exhibition Rediscovering the Meaning of ‘Home’ Amid the Pandemic
Dobong-gu (Mayor Lee Dong-jin) will hold a themed exhibition titled ‘The Place Where You Live’ focusing on ‘home’ from August 17 to October 10 at the Peace Culture Base (932 Madeul-ro, Dobong-dong, Dobong-gu), free of charge.
This exhibition was planned to examine ‘home,’ where people have spent more time due to the spread of COVID-19 and prolonged social distancing, from the perspective of contemporary emerging artists, providing an opportunity to reflect on the homes we live in.
‘The Place Where You Live’ exhibition will be held in three phases.
The first phase (August 17?29) features works by Byun Ha-yeon and Heo Hyun-sook and related programs. Byun Ha-yeon presents responses to ‘What happens when a home fails to fulfill its basic role?’ through investigative videos and installations about marginalized vulnerable groups during COVID-19. Heo Hyun-sook reflects on the meaning of ‘home’ through a series of paintings focusing on houses demolished and rebuilt in new towns.
The second phase (September 7?19) includes a two-person participatory art project by Kim Guk-hwa and Lee Byung-sun titled '如夢幻泡影 (Like a Dream, Illusion, Bubble, Shadow) 一切唯心造 (All is Created by the Mind).' Having continued participatory art projects at Seoul Arts Healing Hub and Dongsung Art Center, they recombine light, sound, and photography to awaken unfamiliar sensations of the familiar ‘home’ space.
The final third phase (September 28?October 10) will showcase works by Kang Bo-ra, a long-term resident artist at the Incarnation Culture and Arts Foundation Creative Studio. Through creating bricks from fragile fallen leaves and building houses, she contemplates the significance of unbuildable homes and what kind of homes we live in.
Mayor Lee Dong-jin said, “In today’s world where interest in home is high for various reasons, I hope this exhibition offers a valuable time to think about ‘the homes we will live in’ and ‘what homes should contain,’ beyond economic and social values.”
The exhibition is open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays when the Peace Culture Base is closed. For more details and related programs, inquiries can be made via the Peace Culture Base website or phone.
Dongdaemun-gu Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center Operations
Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) has expanded the COVID-19 vaccination call center to local community centers to alleviate residents’ inconvenience caused by increased call volume due to the expanded vaccination target group.
Since the 11th, the community center COVID-19 vaccination call centers operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on weekends and holidays. Regardless of residence, residents can make, change, or cancel reservations through any community center call center within Dongdaemun-gu.
Additionally, to provide smoother customer service, the district office’s COVID-19 vaccination call center extended its operating hours from 8 a.m.?6 p.m. to 8 a.m.?9 p.m. on weekdays and expanded weekend and holiday hours to 9 a.m.?6 p.m. starting from the 9th.
Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol said, “As the number of COVID-19 vaccine recipients increases, call volume has risen, causing inconvenience to residents. To resolve this, we extended call center hours and enabled call center services at community centers,” adding, “We will do our best to support residents’ vaccination without disruption.”
Gangbuk-gu Establishes Virtual Reality (VR) Sports Room for Physical Education Classes
Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo) has created a virtual reality (VR) sports room at Beon-dong Elementary School as part of the Seoul-type Health Promotion School project.
The Seoul-type Health Promotion School is an integrated obesity prevention system where schools and health centers cooperate and the community participates to promote healthy lifestyles for children and adolescents.
This sports room was established amid prolonged COVID-19, fine dust, heatwaves, and rain limiting outdoor activities. Its purpose is to prevent obesity and increase physical activity through indoor screen-based physical education.
The VR sports room offers cutting-edge programs allowing various physical activity experiences in restricted outdoor environments. Practical lessons in baseball, tennis, archery, and other sports are conducted using screens. Simulation games tailored to students’ levels also provide engaging play experiences.
The district plans to strictly follow quarantine guidelines and offer more diverse programs during physical education classes. It also intends to use the facility for after-school care classes across all grades and develop and utilize content suitable for COVID-19 conditions.
Mayor Park Kyum-soo said, “The VR sports room will foster students’ imagination and creativity and become a new leisure space to enjoy year-round,” adding, “I hope it helps students grow healthily through various physical activities and experiences.”
Jungnang-gu Publishes ‘Jungnang Information Package’ for New Residents
Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) has produced the ‘Jungnang Information Package’ booklet to help new residents adapt smoothly.
The guidebook contains an easy-to-understand overall introduction to Jungnang, civil service procedures, welfare policies, and various information, serving as a life guide for residents unfamiliar with the area.
The ‘Introduction to Jungnang’ section covers the district’s history, origin of neighborhood names, and statistical data.
Other sections include ‘Detailed Living Information’ covering civil affairs and environmental cleaning, ‘Welfare Jungnang’ for seniors, disabled, and childcare support, ‘Jungnang Outings’ introducing major festivals and places like Manguri Park, and ‘Government Office and Key Institutions’ with information on district office tasks and neighborhood details.
The last page provides QR codes for easy access to Jungnang-gu’s social media channels such as KakaoTalk and blogs.
The district has placed the guidebook in 16 neighborhood community centers to distribute to new residents and others in need and plans to upload it on the Jungnang-gu website.
Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi said, “For those new to Jungnang-gu, many things may feel unfamiliar and difficult,” adding, “We hope this carefully compiled information will greatly help your life in Jungnang.”
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