[Seoul District News] Preemptive Testing for Itaewon Tourism Zone Workers from Oct 25 to Nov 1... Mask Distribution for 'Safe Itaewon'... Seocho-gu's 'Healing Concert' Featuring Orchestra Classics, Opera Arias & Ensembles on Oct 27... 'Ennio Morricone 1st Anniversary Lecture Concert' with Conductor Seo Hee-tae on Oct 28... 2021 Gwanak S Valley Startup Festival Held
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seong Chang-hyun) will implement special COVID-19 prevention measures ahead of Halloween Day on October 31.
With COVID-19 still ongoing, the goal is for visitors to Itaewon on Halloween Day to strictly follow prevention guidelines, restoring the area's unique commercial district reputation and revitalizing the community.
The measures will be in effect for eight days, from October 25 to November 1.
On the 21st, the district established a cooperative system with Yongsan Police Station and Yongsan Fire Station, formulating special prevention plans by department. On the 27th, a 'Public-Private Joint Countermeasure Meeting' will be held in the district office's main conference room, attended by the mayor, heads of related organizations, and representatives of merchants, youth, and foreigners.
Main measures include ▲operation of the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and on-site response teams ▲special inspections of high-risk facilities for compliance with prevention rules ▲noise control ▲special street maintenance ▲cleaning and safety inspections in the Itaewon area ▲establishment of cooperation systems with related organizations.
The Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is divided into a situation room, epidemiological investigation team, screening clinic, and disinfection team, staffed by 52 employees. They maintain real-time response readiness for various situations, handling complaints, conducting basic and in-depth epidemiological investigations of confirmed cases, coordinating isolation treatment facilities and transfers, and disinfecting visited facilities.
The on-site situation support team will operate for three days from October 29 to 31 in major dense areas of Itaewon. Four district office employees (based on daily count) will patrol in pairs to monitor prevention risk factors. They will respond immediately to incidents and accidents on-site, report trends, and establish cooperation systems with related organizations.
Inspections of prevention rules will be strengthened for high-risk facilities such as entertainment bars, karaoke bars, PC rooms, and singing rooms in the Itaewon area. A total of 894 locations will be inspected continuously by 25 personnel divided into three teams.
Entertainment bars such as clubs, hunting pubs, and emotional pubs are currently prohibited from gathering, and general restaurants must record visitor logs and operate only until 10 p.m.
Noise generation is also regulated. If complaints arise due to loudspeakers, music, or event noise (or if complaints are anticipated), the district will immediately measure noise levels on-site and provide guidance. If noise exceeds residential noise regulation standards, fines may be imposed on businesses.
Additionally, the district will strengthen crackdowns on illegal street vendors and roadside clutter, deploying 41 sanitation workers in five teams (daily basis) to prevent garbage accumulation. Safety inspections of outdoor signs, roads, traffic facilities, and construction sites in Itaewon will be completed by the 27th to prepare for potential accidents.
The district will hang banners such as 'Wear a Mask for a Safe Itaewon' within the special district and distribute masks. Masks engraved with the phrase 'For a Safe Itaewon' will be delivered to the Itaewon Tourism Special District Association for workers to wear and distribute to visitors.
The Itaewon Tourism Special District Association is also preparing its own prevention and patrol activities, installing gateways, and conducting proactive testing of workers.
A district official said, "Business owners in the Itaewon Tourism Special District are taking the lead in prevention efforts," and urged visitors to strictly follow prevention rules to have a healthy Halloween Day.
A temporary screening clinic will be set up in Itaewon from October 25 to 31, operating daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Yongsan-gu Mayor Seong Chang-hyun said, "Last year, confirmed cases visiting Itaewon caused significant difficulties such as commercial stagnation," adding, "We will thoroughly implement special prevention measures to normalize the commercial district and ensure the smooth conduct of the university entrance exam on November 18, and will steadily proceed with phased daily recovery after Halloween Day."
Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Noh Hyun-song) announced it will conclude the operation of its COVID-19 vaccination centers by the end of this month.
The district plans to close the first center located in the former Yeomgang Elementary School building and the second center set up in the gymnasium on October 30.
As of October 20, 449,154 people (78.3%) in Gangseo-gu have received the first dose, and 372,915 people (65%) have received the second dose. Among these, 81,702 first doses and 74,416 second doses were administered at the vaccination centers. An additional 4,000 doses are expected by the end of the month.
The district operated two vaccination centers to ensure rapid vaccination of high-risk groups such as the elderly until the COVID-19 vaccination system at local private medical institutions stabilized.
The first vaccination center opened on April 15 in the former Yeomgang Elementary School building, and the second center began operation in the gymnasium on May 6.
To operate the vaccination centers, the district formed a task force led by the deputy mayor, with all departments collaborating for efficient vaccination.
To facilitate smooth vaccination and minimize inconvenience, a dedicated call center was operated, and district vehicles, shuttle buses for the disabled, and charter buses were deployed to support safe transportation for those with mobility difficulties.
In addition, close cooperation with related organizations such as the police and military units ensured safe vaccine transport and management, and professional personnel and ambulances from Gangseo Fire Station were available for rapid response to adverse reactions.
The district has continuously signed contracts with medical institutions capable of COVID-19 vaccination, expanding to 157 locations to establish a stable vaccination system throughout the community.
After closing the vaccination centers, the district plans to continue monitoring vaccinations at contracted medical institutions to strengthen vaccine management and prevent incorrect vaccinations.
Mayor Noh Hyun-song said, "Successful phased daily recovery requires vaccination along with adherence to basic prevention rules such as social distancing and mask-wearing," urging those not yet vaccinated to actively participate and promising to do their best to ensure no inconvenience in vaccination.
Alongside the closure of vaccination centers, the district formed a dedicated COVID-19 home treatment task force on October 18 by assigning five regular staff members to prepare for phased daily recovery.
The task force manages home treatment patients in cooperation with two designated local medical institutions, handling isolation management, living support, health monitoring, 24-hour complaint response, and emergency patient transport to support safe and rapid recovery of asymptomatic and mild confirmed cases.
Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) won two excellence awards at the Seoul Metropolitan Government's '2021 Public Conflict Prevention and Resolution Best Practices Presentation Contest,' achieving a double crown.
The contest was held to discover and share know-how on cases where conflicts arising during public project implementation were prevented and smoothly managed.
Following last year's award for the eco-friendly sidewalk creation around Sajikdan, Jongno-gu achieved good results this year through continuous dialogue and persuasion focused on on-site conflict resolution.
The submitted cases were ▲Donhwamun-ro 11-gil Environmental Improvement Project (Road Division) and ▲Jongno-gu Seochon Area Playground Creation Project (Parks and Greenery Division).
The first case, 'Donhwamun-ro 11-gil Environmental Improvement Project,' involved improving deteriorated road facilities and roads in the Donhwamun-ro 11-gil area.
During the process, the district held dozens of opinion-sharing sessions and multiple on-site meetings with various stakeholders to develop alternatives for contentious issues and produced advanced improvement plans preserving historical and cultural characteristics.
The second case involved creating playgrounds in the Seochon area, which previously lacked playgrounds, by utilizing a Ministry of National Defense abandoned building. This project presented the nation's first public-private-military conflict resolution cooperation model and saved approximately 11 billion KRW in land compensation costs.
After persistent negotiations over three years with the Ministry of National Defense and others, the district opened an outdoor children's playground in idle space within the Seochon military apartment without urban planning changes or land purchase compensation. Some indoor playgrounds are scheduled to open in the first half of next year.
Mayor Kim Young-jong said, "This award is especially valuable as it was achieved by faithfully responding to conflicts arising during public projects for residents' convenience, communicating with stakeholders, and reflecting opinions without infringing on public interest."
Seocho-gu (Mayor Cho Eun-hee) and Seocho Cultural Center (Director Park Ki-hyun) will present the 'Healing Concert' and 'Cinema Concert' of the Seocho Cultural Center at Banpo Simsang Art Hall at 6:30 p.m. on the 27th and 28th.
Planned to comfort and empathize with residents exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the concerts will offer a variety of musical performances to relieve cultural thirst and heal COVID blues.
On the 27th, the 'Healing Concert' will feature the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra performing classical melodies on a cool autumn night, with violinist Kim Nam-hoon playing Saint-Sa?ns' 'Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.'
Following this, top domestic artists including soprano Kim Mi-joo, Choi Jung-won, mezzo-soprano Kim Sun-jung, tenor Moon Se-hoon, and baritone Kim Sung-gyeol will perform famous arias and ensembles from the opera 'La Boh?me,' such as 'Your Cold Hand' and 'My Name is Mimi,' delivering special emotions to the audience.
The 'Cinema Concert' will feature selected iconic works by film music maestro Ennio Morricone. Soprano Kim Mi-joo, accordionist Alexander Seikin, and the Holos Trio (violinist Yoon Hye-rim, cellist Jo Jae-hyung, pianist Jang Ju-yeon) will perform familiar pieces such as 'Life is Beautiful' OST, 'Main Theme' from 'The Outlaw Josey Wales,' and 'Love Theme' from 'Cinema Paradiso.'
Notably, the concert will be conducted as a lecture concert with witty commentary by conductor Seo Hee-tae, revisiting the life and music of Ennio Morricone on the first anniversary of his passing, offering a warm and deeper understanding of his melodies.
The concerts are free, and attendance is limited to 200 pre-registered individuals who have completed COVID-19 vaccination, following social distancing guidelines.
Park Ki-hyun, director of Seocho Cultural Center, said, "Given the difficult circumstances, we prioritize residents' health and safety and will do our best to present new and high-quality performances," expressing hope that the concerts will signal a step toward daily life recovery.
Seocho-gu Mayor Cho Eun-hee said, "Through the 'Healing Concert' and 'Cinema Concert,' I hope residents exhausted by COVID-19 will find healing through music and enjoy a happy and relaxing autumn evening."
Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) will hold 'Con-cance,' a content lecture project for youth, from November 4 to November 17.
This year's Con-cance is themed 'Post-COVID-19, Daily Changes in the New Normal Era,' selecting three keywords and inviting three famous figures to share their expertise and life know-how.
On November 4, under the first keyword 'Life Changes,' cognitive psychologist Professor Kim Kyung-il will give a lecture. Known for appearances on 'Sebasi' and 'Occasional Adult,' he will candidly discuss 'An Era Where Happiness and Resilience Become Competencies' from a cognitive psychology perspective.
On November 11, architect Yoo Hyun-joon, known for 'Alssulsinjap' and 'Occasional Adult,' will discuss 'The Future of Space' and 'Space Changes Accelerated by COVID-19.'
The final lecture on November 17 will focus on 'Pet Care,' featuring dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook, nicknamed 'Dog President' from programs like 'My Little Television' and 'There Are No Bad Dogs in the World.' He will openly communicate with the audience about 'How to Live with Companion Dogs.'
All lectures are free and conducted in a hybrid format with prior registration. On-site attendance is limited to 30 people per session, selected by random draw after registration. Lectures will also be live-streamed on Yangcheon-gu's YouTube channel (Yangcheon TV). Online participants must register in advance to receive participation links.
Registration is open from October 25 until the event ends, and any Yangcheon-gu resident can apply anytime. However, same-day registration closes at 3 p.m. Registration can be done via the poster QR code or the Yangcheon-gu website's related notices.
For more information, contact the Youth Policy Team at Yangcheon-gu Office's Job and Economy Division.
Mayor Kim Soo-young said, "This year's Con-cance is designed to comfort youth living in the new normal era and prepare together for the changing future," adding, "I hope the collective intelligence gathered through these lectures will be a great driving force for Yangcheon-gu's development."
Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) announced the full-scale launch of the 'Gyeongui Line Linear Forest (Phase 3) Creation Project' utilizing the railway land between Gajwa Station and Digital Media City Station (former Seongsan Driving School site) through a business agreement with the Life Forest Association and Korean Air.
On the 18th, the district signed agreements sequentially with the Life Forest Association (Chairman Heo Sang-man) and Korean Air (CEO Woo Ki-hong) at Mapo-gu Office. The agreement reflects the district's intention to transform the environmentally poor railway land, affected by noise and dust, into an eco-friendly forest contributing to climate change prevention and carbon neutrality, with cooperation from civic groups, private companies, and local residents.
The main contents of the agreement include ▲execution and maintenance of the Gyeongui Line Linear Forest project ▲mutual cooperation for green culture expansion through development and operation of resident participation programs ▲promotion and evaluation of project outcomes such as residential environment improvement ▲other necessary matters for mutual development. The three organizations agreed to actively cooperate in creating the linear forest.
Accordingly, the district will oversee overall planning and execution of the project, provide land for private participation, and support administrative tasks such as permits. The Life Forest Association will encourage private company participation and focus on connecting and communicating among administration, residents, and businesses. Korean Air will support funding and promote various public-private cooperation projects.
Notably, Korean Air plans to create the 'SKYPASS Forest' with members by allocating a portion of mileage used for bonus tickets or logo merchandise purchases to the fund. This initiative is expected to become a model of win-win public-private cooperation.
Linked with Mapo-gu's '5 Million Tree Planting Project,' the 'Gyeongui Line Linear Forest (Phase 3) Creation Project' covers 24,860㎡ (length 495m, width 15-40m) in Jung-dong 27-51, with a total budget of 6.5 billion KRW, aiming for completion in 2023.
The railway land had been occupied by Seongsan Driving School and the Korea Taxi Cooperative, halting park development. Approximately 135,000 residents live within a 1 km walking radius.
After the district's proposal for railway idle land utilization was selected by the Korea National Railway Corporation in March following review, the project gained momentum. The site had been a source of complaints due to poor urban landscape and dust from disconnected parks, making the project especially meaningful.
The district plans to specialize spaces and introduce facilities shaped like railway tracks to evoke memories and nostalgia of the Gyeongui Line, creating a park embodying railway culture.
Additionally, the project will link with Seoul's Susaek Station walking network project and developments like Lotte Mall and DMC complex station to establish a representative cultural space in northwest Seoul.
Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said, "This agreement signifies a meaningful commitment by civic groups, private companies, and residents to create a park along the Gyeongui Line railway, revitalizing the area," adding, "We will do our best to make the linear forest a leading eco-friendly cultural space in northwest Seoul."
Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) will hold the '2021 Gwanak S-Valley Startup Festival' from November 2 to 5 to discover excellent venture and startup companies, connect private investment, and provide talent recruitment opportunities, revitalizing the venture and startup ecosystem.
The festival aims to create a venture-friendly culture to attract young talent to the startup and venture ecosystem, discover local startup resources, and expand the venture ecosystem base.
The event is organized in collaboration with Seoul City, Seoul National University, KT, KB, Woori Financial Group, Seoul Creative Economy Innovation Center, and others, offering various programs such as demo days, startup lectures, and mentoring to provide practical support to startups struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
An online 'Startup Talk Show' will invite investment experts to discuss actual investment cases and future trends, sharing know-how on investment and business management.
An online 'Demo Day' will allow startups to introduce their services or products to investors, discovering high-potential startups and providing investment opportunities to foster growth.
Online 'Startup Lectures' will feature representatives from leading 4th industrial revolution companies such as AI video recognition company Alchera, global AI financial solution leader Aizen Global, and domestic shared office company My Workspace, sharing vivid startup know-how and success stories.
Various startup growth support programs will also be offered, including expert mentoring in investment attraction, business planning, and overseas direct purchase, as well as tailored startup lectures and one-day classes for the general public and entrepreneurs.
KT, a partner in Gwanak S-Valley, held a recruitment briefing at the 'Digico KT Open Lab' within the Gwanak S-Valley Startup Center opened in July to recruit talent for KT partner companies. Seoul National University's Startup Support Group will hold a 'Startup Talent Recruitment Fair Match Point' to provide excellent recruitment opportunities for startups within three years of establishment.
The district will conduct both online and offline events, recruiting participants for offline programs through time-slot pre-registration and operating under strict social distancing rules. Detailed program information and participation methods are available on the Gwanak-gu website.
Gwanak-gu is focusing on the 'Gwanak S-Valley' project to transform the entire district into a venture startup city based on the excellent local resources of 'youth' and 'Seoul National University,' establishing 13 startup spaces in three years in what was once a startup desert.
The district plans to build a total of 16 spaces by next year and establish institutional foundations such as tax benefits through designation as a venture business promotion zone and district unit redevelopment to attract companies voluntarily, solidifying its position as a venture startup city.
Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) will hold the '2021 Nodeul Nanjang' Bangguseok Gugak Party with the Dongjak Cultural Foundation on the 27th to celebrate 'October Culture Day.'
The district planned the event to provide performance opportunities to local artists who lost chances due to COVID-19 and to create a space for harmony between artists and residents.
'Nodeul Nanjang' is a gugak (traditional Korean music) festival utilizing 'Nodeul Riverside,' a valuable local cultural content considered one of the five major folk songs along with Arirang and Cheonan Samgeori, first held last year.
This year's performance features five groups, including local artists from Dongjak-gu.
The program starts with the gugak band 'Ye-gyeol Band,' followed by the mask dance 'Bongsan Talchum,' designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property, children's sound group 'Sori So-eun,' and 'Second Moon,' known for numerous drama OST contributions.
The final performance will be by famous gugak artist Song So-hee, presenting her representative songs and concluding with the collaborative piece 'Taepyeongga.'
Videos of the five performances will be uploaded on the Dongjak Cultural Foundation's YouTube channel at 5 p.m. on the 27th for public viewing.
The event aims to discover new local artists, revitalize local culture and arts, and contribute to popularizing the gugak genre through participation of skilled local artists.
Additionally, traditional mask and hanji (Korean paper) making programs titled 'Tal’s Mood' will be held at Sayuksin History Museum from October 21 to November 7 through prior registration.
From the 27th to November 7, an online gayageum education program 'Online Ari and Gugak Outing' will be conducted in collaboration with Chung-Ang University's industry-academic cooperation school enterprise 'Ari.'
For more details, visit the Dongjak Cultural Foundation website or SNS, or contact the Cultural Project Team.
Lee Soon-gi, Director of the Sports and Culture Division, said, "Opportunities for local artists and residents to enjoy cultural performances have been scarce due to COVID-19, and we hope this online gugak festival and experience programs will bring some vitality."
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Sun-gap) will pilot the 'Safe Village Security Guard' project by deploying nighttime security guards in areas densely populated by single-person households to prevent crime and create a safe residential environment.
The district selected the Hwayang-dong area, known for its concentration of entertainment facilities and high proportion of single-person households, as the pilot site, implementing the project from October 25 to the end of December.
The hired 'Safe Village Security Guards' will patrol in pairs wearing yellow uniforms from 9 p.m. on weekdays until 2:30 a.m. the next day.
They will focus on patrolling alleys and secluded areas within single-person household dense zones where vehicle access is difficult. In emergencies, they will conduct joint patrols with police and neighborhood watch groups, establishing close cooperation systems.
They will also inspect and address safety-related issues such as road damage, non-functioning security lights, and illegal dumping within their patrol areas.
Gwangjin-gu Mayor Kim Sun-gap said, "We hope the Safe Village Security Guards become a reliable shield for single-person households, enhancing crime prevention and allowing residents to feel safe," adding, "We will continue to develop projects supporting single-person households and strive to create safe residential environments."
Additionally, Gwangjin-gu is promoting various projects to support single-person households, including the 'Protect Me Homes' security service, 'Safe Home Set' support, safe return scout programs, total home care services for vulnerable groups, and building relationship networks for single-person households.
Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yoo Sung-hoon) announced the installation of speed cameras on all elementary school routes to create a safe environment for children commuting to and from school.
Following the 2020 amendment of the Road Traffic Act and the 'Child Protection Zone Safety Enhancement Measures,' the district completed speed camera installation at 12 locations across nine schools, including Geumnarae Elementary School, following last year's installation at 10 locations in nine schools.
With speed cameras installed at all elementary schools in Geumcheon-gu, vehicles are expected to reduce speed and obey signals, significantly contributing to safety on school routes.
Besides speed cameras, the district is making efforts to secure pedestrian safety in child protection zones by maintaining traffic facilities around schools, strengthening illegal parking enforcement, installing speed bumps, adding audio guidance devices at crosswalks, and installing ground-level traffic lights to improve pedestrian visibility.
Mayor Yoo Sung-hoon said, "We will continue to implement the 'Child Protection Zone Safety Enhancement Measures' to ensure children can walk safely in protection zones," urging drivers to comply with speed limits and signals to create a safe traffic environment for children.
Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) will hold the '2021 Seongbuk Online Career and Job Experience Fair' for five weeks from November 5 to December 10.
The 3rd '2021 Seongbuk Online Career and Job Experience Fair' is designed to support youth in exploring and planning careers by providing access to jobs, majors, and future technologies in a 3D virtual space implemented on a metaverse platform.
The fair features five areas?live mentoring, future exploration, major exploration, career experience, and job understanding booths?with 51 career, major, and future technology contents available in the metaverse Seongbuk Campus.
The event is open not only to local middle and high school students but also to parents and general residents, accessible 24/7 via PC or mobile devices.
This year, real-time career and academic mentoring will be offered in collaboration with Korea University and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), providing more vivid and diverse content.
In a video greeting, Mayor Lee Seung-ro said, "I hope this fair helps participants explore their careers and seize opportunities for challenges, and offers meaningful insights into the future we will face."
Applications can be made through the 'Online Lecture Application' section on the Seongbuk-gu website, and inquiries can be directed to the Seongbuk Youth Future Support Center.
Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) Social Economy Support Center is recruiting 1,150 participants on a first-come, first-served basis until November 12 for the 'Childcare Support Project.'
The project aims to address the difficulties of raising precious children, referred to as 'Geumjjok' (meaning very precious), by providing support through experts.
The 'Childcare Support Project' targets families with children in elementary school grade 3 or below or expectant parents, offering programs to discuss concerns and find solutions with experts from the local prospective social enterprise 'Growing Mom.'
For families with children, customized solutions are provided through 'Family Temperament Analysis,' analyzing the temperament of the whole family. Video analysis of parent-child interactions through play is also conducted.
Language counseling tailored to children's language development stages and temperament analysis programs for expectant and new parents are offered, providing comprehensive solutions according to timing and circumstances to actively support residents' childcare concerns.
The online project, part of social economy organization activation, requires a nominal fee, with all proceeds used to provide childcare services for vulnerable groups in the community.
Applications can be made online or via QR code scanning until November 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, contact the representative phone number.
Since 2014, the district has led social economy initiatives by enacting the 'Seongdong-gu Social Economy Activation Fund Establishment and Operation Ordinance,' opening the Social Economy Support Center in 2017, and raising 1.783 billion KRW in funds matched with private capital, lending 1.133 billion KRW to 23 enterprises. The number of social economy organizations increased by about 193% to 274 as of the first half of this year, earning the district the 'Excellent Social Enterprise Promotion Local Government' award for three consecutive years nationwide.
With ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) gaining importance, the district plans to continue responding actively to community and social needs.
Mayor Jung Won-oh said, "Social economy has played a vital role in solving many problems we face, supporting people's lives amid economic and climate crises," adding, "I hope this project provides practical help to residents struggling with childcare during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic."
Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jung-hoon) has completed the development of 19 types of 'Gangdong-style Public Design' that enhance daily safety and embody the district's urban identity, applying the designs to district facilities to create a distinctive urban landscape unique to Gangdong-gu.
The district recognized the need for public design responding to social changes and new demands, focusing on developing practical and applicable designs.
Priority was given to public designs that improve safety in daily life by addressing discomfort in the street environment. To solve the problem of abandoned electric kickboards threatening pedestrian safety, a combined electric kickboard and bicycle rack was developed and pilot-installed near Amsa Station.
Additionally, the district applies Gangdong-style designs to facilities not covered by Seoul's standard design, such as pedestrian protective fences and strip green fences, maintaining consistency with Seoul's public design policy to enhance urban landscape quality and create a harmonious city image.
Mayor Lee Jung-hoon said, "Gangdong-gu is undergoing significant changes due to large-scale redevelopment and reconstruction," adding, "The newly developed public designs will give urban identity to Gangdong's evolving cityscape and play a major role in creating a pleasant and beautiful Gangdong-gu."
Yeongdeungpo-gu (Mayor Chae Hyun-il) will present the peace and unification creative musical 'Yellow Wind' as an online performance through its official YouTube channel 'Yeonggune.'
The performance is part of an educational project selected in the 2021 Seoul Metropolitan Government's community-based peace and unification contest. It aims to broaden public consensus on peace and unification by helping residents understand cultural differences between North and South Korea through an accessible musical.
'Yellow Wind' is a North Korean term referring to capitalist trends. The musical is set against the backdrop of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a venue of inter-Korean exchange and cooperation born from the combination of South Korea's technology and capital and North Korea's land and labor. It draws on real stories from the complex to enhance audience immersion, offering touching and healing experiences.
The musical also evokes strong patriotism felt amid the tragic division of the Korean Peninsula and the moving scenes of North and South residents overcoming conflicts to show ethnic harmony, inspiring hopes for unification.
The district will release the live performance video on the Yeongdeungpo-gu YouTube channel 'Yeonggune' from October 26 to November 30, allowing anyone interested in North-South harmony and unification to enjoy the musical online anytime, anywhere without COVID-19 concerns.
Since November 2019, the district has operated the 'Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Committee,' overseeing inter-Korean exchange projects, fund management, and providing advice and consultation to build a foundation for peace and cooperation on the peninsula.
It also continues generation-tailored unification education through cultural and experiential programs such as the 'Online Citizen Academy,' 'Public Officials Online Book Concert,' and youth-produced peace and unification content.
Mayor Chae Hyun-il said, "This performance will be a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the pain of division and peace on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We will actively promote various cultural events and education on peace and unification with residents."
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Sun-gap) will hold the '2021 On-Offline Job Fair' from October 25 to November 26 for one month.
The fair aims to alleviate companies' recruitment difficulties and provide job opportunities for job seekers amid the ongoing COVID-19 spread, revitalizing the local economy. This year, the event will be conducted in both online and offline formats to prevent COVID-19 spread.
The online fair will run throughout the period via a dedicated website, offering ▲job information from over 40 companies ▲employment counseling ▲related events. To increase participation from companies and youth, a mobile-friendly site has also been launched.
On November 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, a live online reemployment consulting and employment lecture for career-interrupted women and middle-aged individuals will be held by prior registration.
The offline fair will take place on November 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gwangjin-gu Office auditorium, featuring ▲online employment lectures ▲small-scale face-to-face and video interviews ▲AI/VR experiences ▲ID photo booths and other event booths.
Considering the ongoing COVID-19 spread, participation is limited to 100 people (one person per 6㎡), and strict quarantine and safety measures will be enforced.
Companies wishing to participate can apply through the dedicated website or Gwangjin-gu Job Support Center by October 31. Job seekers can select desired companies and register resumes on the website to participate.
The district plans to support tailored employment for youth, women, and middle-aged groups through collaboration with Seoul Eastern Women's Development Center, Seongdong-Gwangjin Employment Welfare+ Center, Konkuk University, and Sejong University.
For inquiries, contact the Gwangjin-gu Job Policy Division, Gwangjin-gu Job Center, or Eastern Women's New Work Center.
Mayor Kim Sun-gap said, "After careful consideration of recruitment difficulties and infection risks, we decided to hold this on-offline job fair," adding, "We hope it provides practical help to local companies and residents seeking jobs and concludes successfully."
The 6th 'Guro Youth Festival' will be held online.
Guro-gu (Mayor Lee Sung) stated on the 26th, "We hold the 'Guro Youth Festival' annually to allow youth to freely express their dreams and talents and communicate," adding, "This year's festival will be conducted non-face-to-face using an online platform."
The festival runs from October 30 to November 20 through a dedicated webpage and YouTube, with the theme 'Climate is a Right - We, the Global Citizens Saving the Earth,' offering various programs for youth.
Participants create 3D characters on the webpage, automatically joining a parade. Youth can customize hair and clothing like in an online game.
The webpage features a graphic representation of the Guro Jungang-ro area, where the youth festival was traditionally held.
The main screen shows a parade of 3D characters, along with ▲climate crisis response contest exhibition ▲youth media artist contest screening ▲school science club activities in the 'Student Science Festival' ▲broadcast of the popular League of Legends (LOL) game tournament ▲IoT contest competing in metaverse implementation skills ▲pet acrostic poem contest 'PET MyungZONE' ▲On-Village Education Fair and other online booths.
Various events will be held for participants, including SNS participation photo challenges, stamp collection for program participation, and attendance checks, with prizes awarded by lottery.
The festival can be watched live on the 'Guro Innovation Education District' YouTube channel. On the first day, October 30, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., a community education debate will be held with youth, Mayor Lee Sung, Education Superintendent Jo Hee-yeon, teachers, and parents discussing various topics.
At 5 p.m., the opening ceremony and 'Theater Festival IN Dream Concert' will begin, featuring youth performances in singing, dancing, and more.
An online special lecture for youth will be held on November 2 at 4 p.m., with Ewha Womans University Chair Professor Choi Jae-chun speaking on 'Climate Crisis and Earth's Future.'
Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) will hold a live commerce event called 'Seoseora Bang (Social Economy Live Commerce in Seodaemun)' to promote and sell products and services of local social economy enterprises online.
'Live commerce' is e-commerce conducted through internet live broadcasts, allowing real-time communication between sellers and consumers. It is a combination of live streaming and e-commerce.
Seven social economy enterprises in Seodaemun-gu will participate, with events held once this month and next on the Naver Shopping Live channel.
This month, starting on the 25th, 'Dajeonghan Market,' which makes pet snacks using eco-friendly imperfect (B-grade) agricultural products, will participate. On the 26th, 'Ijoa Music,' providing music education programs; 'Malgeundungji Cooperative,' producing recycled handmade crafts; and 'Handicraft Cooperative YomYom,' offering metal and leather craft education, met customers.
On the 27th, 'Daum Forest Association,' developing forest-related content, will sell cypress wooden cutting boards. On the 28th, 'Trinity Family Cooperative,' developing dining food, and 'Workshop Imagination,' making custom accessories, will sell handmade jjajang sauce and pet ID tags at special prices.
Consumers can communicate via real-time chat and place orders and payments.
Mayor Moon Seok-jin said, "I hope many citizens, including the MZ generation familiar with SNS platforms, will experience social economy enterprises through this live commerce."
He added, "In the with-COVID era, we will prepare various social economy activation programs linking online and offline to widely promote coexistence and win-win values."
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