[Seoul District News] 3,301 Examinees Took Exams at 7 Gwangjin-gu Test Sites; COVID-19 Testing Extended to 10 PM on 17th with Priority for Examinees... Dongdaemun-gu Launches ‘2022 Warm Winter Project’... Gangdong-gu’s ‘2022 Hope Ondol Warm Winter’ Off to a Hot Start... Guro-gu Introduces Large Waste Mobile Collection Service ‘Ppaegi’... Gwanak-gu Adds 20 Smart Heating and Cooling Units at Bus Stops... Songpa-gu Runs Metaverse-Based Employment Support Program ‘Core Job Master’ Until 19th
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is implementing comprehensive measures in preparation for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scheduled for the 18th.
In Gwangjin-gu, a total of 3,301 examinees will take the test at seven test sites, including Konkuk University High School, Gwangnam High School, and Jayang High School.
First, the district established a quarantine task force (TF) to prepare for the CSAT and university-specific evaluations. It consists of ▲ overall situation management ▲ examinee management ▲ focused facility quarantine inspections ▲ mobile support teams, actively supporting a safe and smooth CSAT.
The district guides examinees to take the test at designated test sites according to their situation: general examinees at general test sites, self-quarantined individuals at separate test sites, and confirmed COVID-19 cases at hospitals and residential treatment centers pre-designated as test sites.
The quarantine test sites are Seoul Broadcasting High School and Seongsu Technical High School, while confirmed cases take the test at Seonam Hospital and Namsan Youth Hostel.
Additionally, on November 17, the day before the CSAT, the health center's PCR testing hours will be extended until 10 p.m., prioritizing examinee samples and providing results by the morning of the test day. A 24-hour emergency duty system will be maintained to respond to confirmed cases notified late at night.
On the CSAT day, the district will operate an 'Examinee Transport Support Situation Room' to ensure safe emergency transportation for examinees and maintain traffic order around test sites.
Six subway stations in the area (Gangbyeon, Konkuk University Entrance, Gwangnaru, Guui, Achasan, Junggok) and traffic blind spots will be served by 15 administrative vehicles from community service centers to safely transport examinees to test sites. Village buses passing through test sites will be concentrated in the morning to provide transportation convenience.
Traffic control at test sites and surrounding intersections will be handled by Gwangjin Police Station and the Gwangjin Model Drivers Association, while the district will focus on cracking down on illegal parking near test sites.
Prior to this, since the 1st of this month, the district has conducted special quarantine inspections targeting school-adjacent facilities such as academies, study cafes, and PC rooms, provided masks to local schools, and distributed disinfectant wipes to academies and study cafes.
The district plans to hold one-on-one consulting sessions visiting schools on December 27 and 28 for examinees after the CSAT.
Mayor Kim Seon-gap of Gwangjin-gu delivered a message video on the 15th through the official YouTube channel, offering strong support and encouragement so that examinees can take the test safely and comfortably.
Mayor Kim Seon-gap said, "If you trust the time you have worked hard and calmly prepare for the remaining time, turning tension into confidence, there will surely be good results. Please also pay attention to basic quarantine rules and health management, and I wish you good results."
Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) is actively seeking private resources to support vulnerable groups and contribute to spreading a culture of donation by promoting the '2022 Warm Winter Campaign' until February 14 next year.
Hosted by the Seoul Social Welfare Community Chest, donations of money, rice, ramen, kimchi, and various goods are collected and distributed to vulnerable groups, social welfare projects, and other social welfare organizations, institutions, and facilities.
Last year, through the Warm Winter Campaign, the district collected about 270 million won in donations and about 930 million won in goods, totaling about 1.2 billion won, which was provided to low-income families, senior centers, and welfare facilities in the area. This year's target for donations and goods is about 1.2 billion won.
The district accepts donations and goods from local residents, companies by district, religious organizations, and philanthropists through community welfare resources, encouraging non-face-to-face donation collection using QR codes centered on community service centers.
Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol of Dongdaemun-gu said, "Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, neighbors who will spend a colder and more difficult winter than ever will be supported by the community working together to ensure they can stay healthy and safe. We ask residents to actively participate in collecting donations and goods."
Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) is promoting the '2022 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign' again this year in cooperation with the Seoul Social Welfare Community Chest.
The 'Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign' is a fundraising effort to help neighbors in welfare blind spots, conducted annually by the Seoul Social Welfare Community Chest with Gangdong-gu's cooperation to collect donations and goods.
This year's fundraising period runs for three months until February 14 next year, with a target amount of 1.25 billion won, the same as last year.
On the 15th, Gangdong-gu held the 'Love Thermometer Tower Unveiling Ceremony' attended by Park Yong-joo, Vice Chairman of the Seoul Social Welfare Community Chest, Kwak Jae-bok, Chairman of the Gangdong-gu Community Security Council, and heads of resident autonomy councils and neighborhood leaders, marking a hopeful start to the campaign.
Notably, two companies scheduled to move into Godeok Biz Valley expressed their intention to donate, becoming the first donors (jointly). Ilhwa donated 1,000 sets of premium red ginseng health supplements, and KS Korea Employment Information, the joint first donor, donated 100 heated mats and 300 bags of rice (10kg each).
Furthermore, six additional companies planning to move into Godeok Biz Valley expressed their intention to participate in donations, making for a richer and warmer start than ever.
Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon of Gangdong-gu said, "Due to COVID-19, vulnerable residents are going through even harder times. We ask for much interest and participation so that neighbors in need can have a warm winter."
Those wishing to donate money can deposit into the district's dedicated account (account holder: Seoul Social Welfare Community Chest) and submit a donation certificate to the Welfare Policy Division of Gangdong-gu Office. Donations in kind can be made through the Welfare Policy Division or each community service center.
All donors receive tax deduction benefits such as donation receipts, and all donated funds and goods are used to help local social welfare facilities, basic livelihood recipients, low-income groups, elderly living alone, disabled households, and other neighbors in need.
During this fundraising period, the district will also promote the 'Hope Stepping Stone Fund,' a Gangdong-type neighbor-helping donation fund to support low-income neighbors in achieving self-reliance and realizing future dreams. Donations can be made by contacting the Welfare Policy Division.
"Heavy desks and wardrobes? From a single photo, from application to disposal!"
Guro-gu (Mayor Lee Seong) is introducing the large waste mobile collection service 'Bbaegi' to enhance convenience for residents.
'Bbaegi' is a service that replaces the need for attaching a payment sticker when disposing of large waste, providing collection application and payment all at once through a mobile app.
Users download the 'Bbaegi' app from the smartphone Play Store or App Store, enter the disposal location, take and upload photos of the items to be collected.
The photos are automatically analyzed by object recognition AI to estimate the disposal fee, allowing payment and generating a disposal number, enabling disposal without a separate sticker.
Additionally, a paid waste transport service called 'Naeryeodeurim' is offered for seniors and single-person households who find it difficult to move large waste, and a recycling secondhand trade service is available through collaboration with secondhand dealers.
The 'Bbaegi' project also includes upcycling recyclable items to donate to neighbors in need and a 'Senior Job Creation' project that creates waste transport jobs by hiring retired middle-aged residents.
To this end, on the 10th, an agreement was signed with Gatda Co., Ltd., which operates the waste resource management platform 'Bbaegi.' The signing ceremony was attended by Mayor Lee Seong and CEO Ko Jae-sung of Gatda Co., Ltd., with signing and exchange of the agreement.
The district plans to complete system construction and publicize the service to residents this year and officially launch the service in January next year.
A Guro-gu official said, "This project is expected to improve resident convenience, expand resource recycling, and create local jobs. We will continue to strive to discover various policies that residents can feel in their daily lives."
Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that construction has begun on the platform facilities at Gwangwoon University Station on Subway Line 1, a 30-year-long wish of residents in Wolgye-dong.
Scheduled for completion in September 2022, the project will install two escalators each on the upbound (Uijeongbu) and downbound (Cheongnyangni) platforms from the ground-level overpass, totaling four escalators, significantly improving residents' commuting convenience and safety.
Gwangwoon University Station serves about 20,000 passengers daily. Residents of Wolgye 3-dong Mimi Sam (Miseong, Miryung, Samho) apartments had to climb a 10-meter-high overpass to reach the platforms, causing inconvenience. About 34% of station users are transportation-vulnerable groups such as seniors and disabled people, highlighting the need for accessibility facilities.
However, due to the station's structure, installation of escalators and other facilities was previously deemed difficult, halting discussions. This long-standing issue gained momentum from 2019.
Mayor Oh Seung-rok, while visiting 246 senior centers in the area, learned of the inconveniences faced by seniors in Wolgye 3-dong and nearby areas using Gwangwoon University Station, immediately starting consultations and site inspections with the Korea Rail Network Authority.
Following a positive review by the Rail Network Authority, in November 2019, a 3.6 billion won project cost was agreed to be shared equally between Nowon-gu and the Authority, with design and construction to be carried out by the Authority. Both parties have continued practical consultations throughout design and construction to ensure the project effectively improves residents' safety and convenience.
Construction began in November with demolition of existing stairs, followed by screen door upgrades and new escalator installation, with use expected to start in September 2022.
A groundbreaking ceremony inviting local residents will be held on the 18th at 3 p.m. at the cultural plaza in front of Gwangwoon University Station.
To prevent COVID-19 spread, participation will be limited to vaccinated individuals (including PCR-negative, under 18, recovered, and those unable to vaccinate for unavoidable reasons), with strict adherence to on-site disinfection and quarantine rules.
Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, "This project is a case where residents' voices heard on-site led to practical results through cooperation with related agencies. We will strive for swift and safe construction to relieve residents' inconvenience as soon as possible."
Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) announced on the 16th that PC rooms and delivery agencies in the district will request rescue for at-risk youth to the district's Child and Youth Division or Seodaemun Youth Counseling Welfare Center.
To this end, the Seodaemun Youth Counseling Welfare Center (Director Han Gwi-young) recently collaborated with the Korea Internet PC Culture Association Seodaemun Branch to deliver quarantine supplies to 11 PC rooms frequented by youth and requested PC room owners to contact them if they find runaway or out-of-school youth suspected to be in crisis.
They also posted related promotional posters inside facilities to help at-risk youth utilize the 'Seodaemun Youth Safety Net.'
Additionally, six delivery agencies in the area agreed to cooperate in discovering and protecting delinquent, out-of-school, and at-risk youth.
The 'Saenggakdaero' Yeonhui branch said, "We are glad to participate in this meaningful work and will ensure delivery workers can request rescue when they find at-risk youth."
Seodaemun-gu is conducting youth safety net projects to thoroughly discover, protect, and support at-risk youth, expanding cooperation with private organizations and citizens for 'community-based youth protection.'
The Seodaemun Youth Counseling Welfare Center offers counseling programs, mentoring services, and online/offline patrol activities to help youth grow healthily, and all youth and parents in the district can use the center's programs.
Warm hands of volunteers continue in Dongdaemun-gu to prevent and overcome COVID-19 spread.
From April 15 to the end of October this year, numerous volunteers participated in operating the Dongdaemun-gu COVID-19 Vaccination Center, hoping for a safe return to daily life. A total of 2,316 volunteers participated over six months.
Volunteers actively engaged from the opening to the closing of the vaccination center, assisting smooth vaccination. Various residents, including volunteer camp members, neighborhood leaders, and recruited university students and workers via the 1365 Volunteer Portal System, participated, guiding movement, supporting boarding and alighting of vaccination buses, conducting temperature checks, and more.
A university student volunteer said, "I volunteered to help during difficult times. A simple 'thank you' or 'good job' gives me great strength to continue volunteering."
Also, from September 13 to October 29, about 780 volunteers helped elderly and mobility-impaired residents smoothly apply for the COVID-19 coexistence national support fund through community service centers.
Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol of Dongdaemun-gu said, "We thank volunteers who actively participated in overcoming COVID-19. Their warm hearts are the driving force to overcome difficult times. We will do our best until the end of COVID-19 so that their efforts are not in vain."
Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) is effectively alleviating residents' discomfort caused by summer heat and winter cold through Smart heating and cooling devices installed at bus stops.
Last July, the district pioneered the nationwide installation of Smart heating and cooling devices on bus stop shelters at five locations, expanding to 18 locations in January this year. These devices received great responses during last summer's heatwave and winter's cold snap. The district plans to install 20 more by early December.
The Smart heating and cooling devices use automatic sensors recognizing objects and temperature: blowing cold air above 28°C and heating below 5°C, greatly helping residents using public transportation in summer and winter.
For 45 bus stops without windbreaks where device effectiveness is limited, heated seats were installed. These seats warm up to 37°C when the outside temperature is below 15°C from 5 a.m. to noon, helping residents wait warmly for buses.
To prevent COVID-19 infection, 40 bus stops have installed windbreaks made of transparent tempered glass instead of enclosed barriers, expected to synergize with heating/cooling devices and heated seats.
The district is also working to complete installation of boarding platforms and bus information displays at all bus stops by next year, enhancing convenience for public transport users.
A district official said, "We will continue to expand installations considering local conditions and user characteristics so residents can use public transportation comfortably and pleasantly."
Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seong Jang-hyun) Yongsan Craft Center (274 Itaewon-ro) is holding an exhibition of resident artists' works themed 'Gwanhon Sangje' (rites of passage). It is the last planned exhibition of the year.
'Gwanhon Sangje' collectively refers to the four rites of passage: coming-of-age, wedding, funeral, and ancestral rites, significant ceremonies in life. In the Joseon Dynasty, which emphasized Confucianism, these rites embodied respect and sincerity beyond mere rituals.
The exhibition features about 28 works in metal, folk painting, hanji (traditional Korean paper), cloisonn?, embroidery, knots, wangsu (traditional Korean thread), and lacquerware. The exhibition runs until December 19 on the 4th floor exhibition hall of the Craft Center.
The special exhibition consists of works by 14 resident artists, including ▲ Lee Tae-sook's 'Thank You' (metal) ▲ Lee Hwang-jae's 'Donggot' (metal) ▲ Hwang Gap-joo's 'Wedding Norigae' (metal) ▲ Kim Young-in's 'Gammoyeojaedo' (folk painting) ▲ Jeong Shin-ja's 'Ssanghap' (hanji) ▲ Choi Myung-soon's 'Traditional Octagonal Sewing Box' (hanji) ▲ Kim Mi-hwa's 'Cloisonn? Box' (cloisonn?) ▲ Kim Seong-hee's 'Wedding Hair Ornament' (cloisonn?) ▲ Kim Won-sook's 'Bosanghwamun Silver Thread Cloisonn? Sewing Box' (cloisonn?) ▲ Noh Yong-sook's 'Eternal Light' (cloisonn?) ▲ Oh Seung-hee's 'Peony Screen' (embroidery) ▲ Shim Young-mi's 'Baeksejodae' (knots) ▲ Lee Young-ae's 'Crown Prince's Headdress' (wangsu) ▲ Ahn Deok-chun's 'Lotus Pattern Lacquer Box' (lacquerware).
Visitor Lee Joo-heon (female, 36) said, "The peony-patterned screen embroidered with silk thread stood out, and I felt tempted to own the work."
Since 2019, Yongsan Craft Center has held annual resident artist exhibitions to promote traditional crafts. Inquiries about purchasing special exhibition works can be made separately.
Mayor Seong Jang-hyun said, "Through crafts born from artisans' hands, I hope visitors can feel the dignity of our ancestors' daily lives."
Opened in 2018, Yongsan Craft Center is a hub for local craft culture. It has three basement floors and four above ground, totaling 2,800㎡, with a craft shop (1st floor), ceramics and hanbok experience center (2nd floor), craft learning and workshop spaces (3rd floor), and exhibition hall (4th floor), offering various craft classes.
This year's planned exhibitions included 'Flowers Bloomed from Clay' (Korean Contemporary Ceramics Association special exhibition), 'A Thousand Years of Wood' (National Intangible Cultural Property No. 55 Woodcraft Master Kim Dong-gyu special exhibition), and 'Fan Gentle Breeze' (National Intangible Cultural Property No. 128 Seonjang Kim Dong-sik special exhibition).
Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) is promoting the public-private cooperative fundraising campaign '2022 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign' until February 14 next year.
Since 2001, the district has continued this project to support low-income residents and marginalized neighbors in need. This year, with increased difficulties due to COVID-19, active interest from local residents is especially needed.
First, donation boxes are placed at 17 locations including the district office, community service centers, and Dongjak Welfare Foundation. A donation thermometer tower is installed on the first floor of the district office to foster a voluntary culture of neighborly help. Donation participation photos are encouraged using photo zones at community centers to promote active resident involvement.
Non-face-to-face donations using QR codes are also conducted simultaneously to increase participation.
Residents wishing to participate can donate to the Seoul Social Welfare Community Chest account.
All donations collected during the period are used entirely to support local social welfare facilities, basic livelihood recipients, low-income groups, elderly living alone, disabled households, and other vulnerable neighbors.
From next month, 15 community service centers will conduct various fundraising activities tailored to each district's characteristics, led by heads of local functional organizations, involving residents, religious groups, and companies.
For details, contact the Welfare Policy Division.
Last year, the '2021 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign' raised 1,237,243,000 won, supporting low-income groups in areas such as living expenses, medical care, heating, and education.
Additionally, each community center runs projects to deliver warmth to vulnerable groups, such as seasonal kimchi and eco-friendly soap sharing in Noryangjin 2-dong, seasonal food sharing in Sangdo 2-dong, and family happiness meal kit support and warm blanket sharing in Sadang 2-dong.
Events will be conducted with strict adherence to basic quarantine rules such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and temperature checks according to phased daily recovery.
Park Mi-young, head of the Welfare Policy Division, said, "We want to gather each person's warm heart and deliver it to neighbors in need. We hope many residents will participate in spreading the culture of donation and sharing."
Jongno-gu is holding the '2021 Jongno Book Festival' from the 16th to the 20th both online and offline to raise interest in books and promote reading culture in the area.
Until 2019, the event was held as the 'Library Festival' at Samcheong Park, but this year it has been revamped as a 'Book Festival' with more related organizations participating to attract citizen interest and participation.
This is the 5th festival, with the theme 'Back to Nature,' matching the '2021 One Library One Book Reading' project theme. It focuses on the seriousness of the climate crisis and rapidly changing environmental issues due to COVID-19, aiming at daily life recovery.
Various libraries representing Jongno, along with bookstores and publishers, participate, offering lectures, book talks, experiences, and exhibitions. The main programs are organized into five themes: ▲ Theme Lectures ▲ Our Neighborhood Authors ▲ Our Neighborhood Publishers ▲ Our Neighborhood Bookstores ▲ Our Neighborhood Libraries, with 40 programs available online and offline over five days.
Theme lectures include 'Rights of Future Generations and Nature' by Kang Geum-sil (Earth and People CEO, lawyer), lectures by Nam Seong-hyun (Seoul National University professor), and Ko Geum-sook (Almaeng Shop CEO). 'Our Neighborhood Authors' features special lectures and exhibitions with local authors Shim Yoon-kyung, Kim Mella, and Jo Seon-hee and readers.
Publishers such as 'Sancheoreum,' 'Wonderbox,' 'Hyehwa 1117,' and 'Book Factory Together' offer in-depth lectures led by authors of their published books. Twelve local bookstores host author book talks. Libraries like Areumkkum Library and Cheongun Literature Library hold author lectures, eco-friendly product making, and forest exploration sessions.
Additionally, poet Oh Eun's video 'Jongno, Neighborhood Bookstore Outing' is available on the Jongno Cultural Foundation YouTube channel. Participating in the 'SNS Hashtag Event' with the Consumer Climate Action Association offers chances to win mobile cultural gift certificates. Special exhibitions include 'Smart Book Organization,' 'Drawing Tomorrow,' 'Jongno Publisher Book Exhibition,' and 'Green Publishing.' Bringing bottle caps and sterilized packs can be exchanged for books at the 'Jongno Book Sharing Center.'
Hosted by Jongno-gu and organized by the Jongno Cultural Foundation, detailed schedules and program applications are available on the foundation's website and blog or by contacting the Cultural Planning Team.
Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) is strengthening young job seekers' job competencies and job-seeking skills through the metaverse-based employment support program 'Core Job Master' until the 19th.
Recently, due to COVID-19, trends in the recruitment market have changed, and the use of metaverse platforms has increased. Companies increasingly use metaverse for recruitment briefings, new employee training, workshops, and meetings.
Reflecting this trend, the district previously operated the first local government metaverse employment education '5-week Job Camp' in October, receiving great responses from young job seekers. This time, 'Core Job Master' offers job briefings and employment lectures using the online metaverse.
The program runs eight sessions in the 3D virtual world until the 19th, featuring job briefings by current employees from promising companies such as HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise), TOSS, Bain & Company, and KOTRA, and employment lectures to acquire necessary skills.
Participants use avatars to engage without spatial or temporal constraints, enhancing immersion through vivid experiences.
Job briefings cover sales management, service planning, consulting, and other fields, sharing essential competencies and practical experience. A Q&A session allows immediate resolution of questions. Thematic employment lectures by HR consultants provide information on recruitment trends, tailored resume writing, and interview preparation.
The program is open to anyone seeking employment. Pre-registration is available via the dedicated website or the job portal Incruit. For inquiries, contact the Songpa Integrated Job Support Center.
Mayor Park Seong-su said, "The 'Core Job Master' in the metaverse will help young job seekers resolve employment questions and strengthen job competencies. We will continue to proactively respond to rapidly changing employment trends and support residents seeking jobs without difficulties."
Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) held the '3rd Eunpyeong Drone Coding Flying Competition' at the Eunpyeong Career Experience Support Center on the 7th.
Now in its third year, the competition supports future career education for youth interested in drones and coding, held annually since 2019. To prevent COVID-19 spread, only participating youth were allowed in the venue, with judges, recorders, and volunteers all vaccinated. The competition was live-streamed on YouTube to allow families unable to attend to experience the atmosphere.
The competition includes three events: drone obstacle course, drone coding, and drone simulator, divided into elementary and middle school divisions. An experience booth with LED candle extinguishing and drone fishing was set up for participants to enjoy during breaks.
Elementary division winners by event were: ▲ Drone Obstacle Course - Kim Kyung-min (Eunpyeong Elementary 6th grade) ▲ Drone Coding - Kim Ha-ran (Daejo Elementary 6th grade) ▲ Drone Simulator - Cha Jae-woong (Yanghwa Elementary 6th grade).
In the middle school division, Jeong Jun-su (Eunpyeong Middle 3rd grade) won both the drone coding and drone simulator events, becoming a double champion. Winners received the mayor's award.
Kim Geon-hoo (Sindong Middle 1st grade), who won the drone obstacle course and placed in all events, said, "At first, I doubted if I could win an award, but after winning, I felt proud that my drone piloting skills were not bad."
The Eunpyeong Career Experience Support Center said, "We will continue to support quality programs for youth to explore various career fields and hope youth take interest in the center's programs."
Dobong-gu (Mayor Lee Dong-jin) is recruiting volunteers called 'The Closer North Korean Defector Settlement Caregivers,' the first in Seoul's autonomous districts, to help North Korean defectors newly starting life in South Korea by introducing neighborhoods and sharing living information to aid self-reliance.
Recruitment is ongoing year-round from November 15, 2021, through the Dobong-gu Office Autonomous Village Division or community service centers. Eligibility includes any local resident willing to help North Korean defectors adapt, be a friend, and introduce their neighborhood.
Selected caregivers complete basic education on understanding North Korean defectors and activity guidelines, then provide ongoing monitoring and living support such as accompanying to public institutions, shopping, using public transport together, and home visit counseling.
Last year, the district established an integrated and continuous care system linked with community centers through the 'Our Neighborhood Care Membership,' the first such project in Seoul.
This policy aims to establish a 'people-centered' public-private cooperative support system with emotional support from neighbors familiar with the area, breaking down prejudices through networking among northern support centers, welfare institutions, volunteer centers, and police, and nurturing community leaders to support stable settlement of North Korean defectors.
Currently, about 150 North Korean defectors reside in Dobong-gu, about 0.05% of the total population.
Mayor Lee Dong-jin said, "Moving is hard enough, but those from North Korea face loneliness, cultural differences, and lack of information. If neighbors or close friends help, settlement and self-reliance can be faster and more successful. We will continue to support North Korean defectors to become sound members of the community."
Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon) will hold a performance sharing event from the 16th to share and promote youth activity support projects 'Do It' and 'Talent Market' and encourage interaction among participants.
Hosted by the youth activity space Cheongchun Building, the event introduces the activities of participants in the youth community support project 'Do It' and the cultural artist youth freelancer support project 'Talent Market' through various exhibitions and booths, making it enjoyable for all Geumcheon residents.
From November 16 to 21, participants' works will be displayed on the 1st and 2nd floors of Cheongchun Building. The 1st floor community hall will exhibit paintings by 'Talent Market' participants, and the 2nd floor Cheongchun Hall will showcase paintings and videos by 'Do It' participants.
On the 20th and 21st, various participatory booths themed on community activities such as magic, forest play, and making personalized scented candles will operate in the 3rd floor shared kitchen and 4th floor multipurpose studio.
On the 20th, the '2021 Cheongpil Awards' event will be held, where participants gather to share activities and award outstanding community activities.
The event will be conducted with appropriate capacity per space through prior reservation, adhering to quarantine rules such as mask-wearing and visitor management.
For youth unable to attend in person, an online exhibition will be held from the 16th to 30th via the metaverse platform Gather Town, recreating the Cheongchun Building space and showcasing youth activities through paintings, videos, and photos.
Youth wishing to participate can scan the QR code on Cheongchun Building's website or SNS promotional materials to enter the online Cheongpil Town and view the exhibition.
Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon said, "I hope this event helps youth regain precious daily happiness after a long period of limited face-to-face interaction. We will continue to support vibrant youth community activities."
Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) is holding the 'Daily Recovery Citizen Idea Contest' from November 15 to 26 to promote practical, citizen-experienced daily recovery policies following phased daily recovery implementation.
The district planned this contest to discover various daily recovery ideas and reflect them in district administration, promoting projects needed from the citizens' perspective.
The contest theme is feasible ideas for returning to a healthy daily life, covering economy, jobs, culture, festivals, and more.
Main contest topics include ▲ policies to prevent infection spread after returning to daily life ▲ ways to recover life halted by COVID-19 ▲ administrative service improvements for the with-COVID era.
Any Yangcheon resident or worker, student, or organization located in Yangcheon-gu can participate. Applications can be submitted by visiting community centers, via the Yangcheon-gu website (Communication & Participation → Idea House → Submit Proposal), mail (105 Mokdongdong-ro, 4th floor Planning and Budget Division), or email. For inquiries, contact the Planning and Budget Division Performance Management Team.
Submitted proposals undergo preliminary review and two rounds of judging. Final results will be announced on the Yangcheon-gu website in December. Winners receive the Mayor's Award with cash prizes: Gold (1 person) 300,000 won, Silver (2 persons) 200,000 won, Bronze (3 persons) 100,000 won.
Mayor Kim Soo-young said, "We prepared this contest to discover fresh daily recovery ideas that all citizens can feel. We ask for active participation so your valuable ideas can be actively reflected in district administration."
Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi) is recruiting the 5th class of the Jungnang Real Estate Asset CEO Course, popular among residents, until December 3.
This course invites top professors in domestic real estate and liberal arts to provide residents with information on real estate market changes, trend analysis, investment and tax-saving strategies, and life planning lectures.
Since the first course in 2017, 282 graduates have completed up to the 4th class in June this year, with high satisfaction each time.
This course will expand liberal arts lectures along with comprehensive education in real estate asset management.
Residents wishing to apply can download the application form from the Jungnang-gu website news section and submit it via email, mail (179 Bonghwasan-ro, Jungnang-gu Office Real Estate Information Division), or fax.
After document screening and interviews, 70 participants will be selected, with final results announced at the end of December. The tuition fee is 500,000 won, cheaper than general university or graduate school tuition. For details, contact the Real Estate Information Division.
Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said, "The Jungnang Real Estate Asset CEO Course is an excellent program to understand and actively respond to the rapidly changing real estate market. I hope it will be a good opportunity to enjoy lifelong learning."
The course operates a volunteer group run by graduates, providing real estate-related legal counseling, care services, and helping neighbors in need, promoting a culture of sharing in the community.
Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) is hosting the youth dance competition 'Street Youth Fighter' to provide a cultural venue where youth can safely express their talents and passion.
To support various cultural activities for youth exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the district planned an online youth non-face-to-face dance competition.
The competition, held on an online stage, is free for youth aged 9 to 24 interested in dance. All participants receive free use of the dance room at Jamsil Youth Center for three months.
Youth wishing to participate can apply individually or as teams of two or more, submitting dance videos of any genre such as broadcast dance or street dance by November 18 through online pre-registration.
The first round is a non-face-to-face evaluation based on submitted videos. The second round finals will be held on November 20 at 2 p.m. via the Jamsil Youth Center YouTube channel.
Ten teams in the finals will be judged by experts in the field and youth specialists, awarding one grand prize, two excellence awards, and three encouragement awards. Details are available on the Jamsil Youth Center website.
Mayor Park Seong-su said, "I hope youth exhausted by COVID-19 can freely showcase their talents through this competition. With the with-COVID era, we will continue to discover and hold various youth cultural events and invest in and support youth."
Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) is conducting 'Youth Again, Captured in Photos' from the 15th to the 19th.
Targeting about 550 vaccinated seniors aged 65 and over in the district, the project aims to help seniors regain vitality through photos capturing their youthful and stylish appearances and support healthy daily recovery in the with-COVID era.
Breaking away from traditional longevity photo styles, the project uses snapshot photography to capture seniors' comfortable and natural expressions in frames, delivering 'life photos' to help them cherish their most youthful and beautiful moments.
Photography is conducted by the Photographers Association, visiting local senior welfare centers. Seniors enter a designated space one at a time for natural shooting, with thorough disinfection before and after to ensure safety.
The project is part of the community innovation plan, carried out through public-private cooperation. The Photographers Association, Seongdong Senior Welfare Center, Wangsimni Doseondong, Sageun-dong, Seongsu 1-ga 2-dong Senior Welfare Centers, and Daehyeon Senior Welfare Center collaborated from planning to senior recruitment and method discussions, actively listening to seniors' voices.
After receiving WHO certification as an age-friendly city last year, the district is working to create a 'Smart 100-Year Inclusive City' where everyone enjoys happiness. It actively pursues emotional projects to prevent elderly loneliness, including IoT-based health and safety management for vulnerable seniors and depression prevention programs. It also provides quality jobs through Seongdong Future Jobs Co., Ltd., and improves aging senior center facilities.
The district plans to conduct frequent disinfection and professional bi-monthly disinfection at senior leisure and welfare facilities during the with-COVID phased recovery. It will also promptly support low-droplet face-to-face programs such as laughter exercises, health gymnastics, and origami to help seniors recover daily life quickly.
A senior member of Wangsimni Doseondong Senior Welfare Center said, "The last time I took photos was 30 years ago at my children's weddings. I am grateful for this meaningful time."
Mayor Jeong Won-oh said, "We will develop and operate various programs aligned with the with-COVID phased recovery to help seniors enjoy safe and vibrant leisure activities."
Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Gyeom-su) is recruiting participants for the first half of 2022 Safe Job Project.
The Safe Job Project is a public work program providing temporary jobs to vulnerable groups without regular income or unemployed to help them become self-reliant. It is conducted twice a year.
Recruitment runs from the 18th to the 24th for five days. A total of 300 people will be selected across five fields: general labor (145), waste recycling (80), welfare (meal) support (38), youth jobs (31), and Clean Gangbuk (6).
Wages for waste recycling and welfare (meal) support are 55,000 won for 6 hours per day; other fields pay 46,000 won for 5 hours per day. A 5,000 won snack allowance is provided separately. The project runs from January 10 to June 30 next year, with waste recycling starting a week earlier on the 3rd. Work is five days a week, and four major insurances are mandatory.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to work, with household income below 70% of median income and assets below 300 million won, and residents of Gangbuk-gu. Residents certified as homeless by administrative agencies are also eligible. Basic livelihood security recipients, unemployment benefit recipients and spouses, and consecutive participants are excluded. Except for youth, no more than two participants per household are allowed.
Applicants bring ID, job registration certificate, and proof of additional points such as North Korean defector status to their local community center. The department will notify final selections by December 30. For details, check the district website news or contact the Job Policy Division or local community center.
Mayor Park Gyeom-su said, "I hope this project helps residents facing livelihood difficulties. We will continue to support expanding jobs for vulnerable groups with sustained interest."
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