[Seoul District News] Jongno-gu's 'Project to Add More Benches for Resting' has installed a total of 104 donated benches since August 2020, categorized into 'Citizen Donation Type' by individuals or companies and 'Public Type' installed by the district.
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] In Jongno-gu, there are special benches installed throughout the area thanks to citizen donations. These benches, called ‘Your Seat,’ serve as non-face-to-face resting spaces for pedestrians amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, located at places such as the Jongno Promotion Center, Samcheong Park, Changuimun-ro, and Bukaksan Pavilion.
The name, meaning “a chair you donate and use, a comfortable resting space for neighbors (you),” was created through Jongno-gu’s “More Benches to Rest On” project, which has been underway since August 2020.
The benches are installed in two categories: “citizen donation type,” where individuals or companies participate, and “public type,” installed by the district. The designs vary from single to triple seats depending on the donation amount. Each bench also features a nameplate with a phrase chosen by the donor to widely promote the spirit of giving.
Last year, SAMPYO Group and Amorepacific commemorated Resource Circulation Day by donating eight eco-friendly upcycled benches. Additionally, singer Lim Young-woong’s fan club and Changsin Communication Workshop joined the donation effort, sympathizing with the purpose of installing the benches.
Benches containing precious memories of citizens also attract attention. From a bench installed in Marronnier Park in memory of a father to a donation bench by a couple in Nusaeng-dong celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, these benches with their unique stories contribute to expanding resting spaces in the urban area.
In February of this year, not only was a bench installed at Bukaksan Pavilion through donations from singer Lee Seok-hoon and his fan club All & New, but there was also a donation participation from a citizen wishing for a special marriage proposal.
Jongno-gu has installed a total of 104 donation benches so far, with the district managing the benches for five years from the installation date. This year, the project will continue in connection with initiatives such as the “Healthy City” campaign. Applications and inquiries can be made to the district office’s Planning and Budget Division.
A district official stated, “This is not only a contribution to public facilities accessible to everyone but also a special donation activity where people can leave their own memories. Since the beginning of this year, inquiries about participation have been continuously coming in,” adding, “As this is a meaningful activity for the local community and neighbors, we hope many interested people will participate.”
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