[Seoul District News] Gwanak-gu Invests 1.35 Billion KRW Over 2 Years for 3 Resident-Centered Safety and Welfare Services Selected by Seoul City Contest... Gwangjin-gu Launches 3 Kiosks for Notices, District Promotion, and Building Guidance with Automated Info Updates via Administrative System Integration... ‘Digital Dongjak Cultural Encyclopedia’ Website Released... Dongdaemun-gu Advances ‘Metaverse Creator Development Project’ as Part of City-District Cooperative Initiative... Mapo-gu Implements Underground Electric and Communication Lines Between Sangsu and Hapjeong Stations
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) is promoting a resident life-experience-oriented smart city project together with Seoul City.
Last November, the district was finally selected in the ‘22~‘23 Living Field Smart City Pilot Project Autonomous District Contest’ hosted by Seoul City, securing a total of 1.35 billion KRW over two years, and plans to make every effort to ensure the success of the project.
This pilot project aims to apply smart service technology to actual living fields to solve urban problems and improve residents' quality of life, including three services in safety and welfare: ▲Smart Senior Centers ▲Beacon-based Missing Prevention Smart Guardians ▲Autonomous Patrol Robot Service.
First, the ‘Smart Senior Center,’ proposed by residents through an idea contest, will create a future-type comprehensive welfare space that provides one-stop healthcare services to the elderly and bridges the digital divide deepened by COVID-19.
Additionally, the ‘Beacon-based Smart Guardian,’ which was piloted last year in local daycare centers, will be expanded and enhanced by linking with CCTV control to quickly locate missing children. The ‘Autonomous Patrol Robot Service’ will patrol nighttime routes and alleys, detecting safety hazards. Through the establishment of these three services, the convenience of socially vulnerable groups will be improved, and residents' safety and public security will be enhanced.
Once implemented, these services are expected to contribute to resolving welfare blind spots for the elderly and children, prevent accidents in crime-prone areas, and enable rapid response in emergencies.
The district plans to operate a living lab with Seoul City, technology-holding companies, and residents to analyze local issues, plan services, and build infrastructure, with partial service operation scheduled within 2022.
A district official said, “By introducing smart technology, we can eliminate policy blind spots related to the safety and welfare of socially vulnerable groups,” adding, “We will make every effort to ensure the success of this pilot project as a model for creating a safe and inclusive smart city in Gwanak, solving local problems from the residents’ perspective together with them.”
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) installed a ‘Contactless Smart Government Building Information System’ at the entrance of the district office and began operation in April.
The ‘Contactless Smart Government Building Information System’ consists of three kiosks, each providing information on ▲government building and organizational charts ▲notices and announcements ▲district administration promotions.
Gwangjin-gu installed the three kiosks at the location where the previous comprehensive guide board with the government building map was removed, enabling more efficient use of the same space by providing diverse information.
The left kiosk displays the ‘Notices and Announcements’ screen, where users can view projects announced by each relevant department. The center kiosk’s ‘District Administration Promotion’ screen allows viewing of Gwangjin District Office promotional videos and various promotional projects. The right kiosk’s ‘Government Building Guide’ screen provides information on the district office layout and organizational department tasks.
With the installation of the ‘Contactless Smart Government Building Information System,’ residents can easily access desired information with a single touch, making it more convenient to use the district office and government buildings.
Moreover, Gwangjin-gu linked each information category to the administrative system, enabling automatic updates and real-time maintenance, with remote management making system operation more convenient.
Mayor Kim Seon-gap of Gwangjin-gu said, “We have operated a smart government building information system that anyone can easily use so that residents visiting the district office can more easily find the information they want,” adding, “We will thoroughly maintain security and updates and strive to provide accurate information to residents.”
The ‘Digital Dongjak Cultural Encyclopedia’ website, which allows a comprehensive view of Dongjak-gu’s local history including Yongyang Bongjeojeong, National Seoul Memorial Cemetery, and Hyosajeong, was launched on the 6th.
Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) announced that it provides ‘Dongjak-gu’s own encyclopedia content’ as an online service by investigating and researching the changes and developments from the past to the present.
Since signing a business agreement with the Academy of Korean Studies in 2019, the district has been promoting the compilation project over three years. The research fields include ▲geography ▲history ▲cultural heritage ▲clans and figures ▲politics, economy, society ▲religion ▲culture and education ▲life and folklore ▲oral traditions, language, and literature, totaling nine areas.
The newly launched Digital Dongjak Cultural Encyclopedia contains 1,271 entries and 2,431 video and photo materials covering local history, geography, and lifestyles.
The website menu consists of various services such as ▲content table of contents ▲directory classification ▲content index ▲electronic map ▲electronic chronology ▲audiovisual materials.
Notably, an open content management system is established, allowing users to create content directly in ‘My Dongjak Encyclopedia.’ It is also linked with knowledge encyclopedias on portal sites like Naver and Daum, making access easy through keyword searches such as Sayuksin Park and Yongyang Bongjeojeong.
Going forward, the district plans to produce various digital contents that contribute to establishing Dongjak-gu’s historical identity, expanding and reproducing the local image, and promoting the local tourism industry.
More detailed information can be found on the Digital Dongjak Cultural Encyclopedia website.
Park Tae-han, Director of the Sports and Culture Division, said, “This Digital Dongjak Cultural Encyclopedia provides content that allows those interested in Dongjak-gu to easily find the district’s changes and developments,” adding, “It will establish the district’s cultural identity and greatly contribute to future local cultural content development.”
Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) is recruiting participants for the first generation of Metaverse Creators until the 27th.
This training, part of the ‘City-District Upward and Cooperative Job Creation Project’ - ‘Metaverse Creator Development Project,’ includes ▲understanding the metaverse market ▲establishing creator goals ▲analysis of metaverse economy, NFT, TOKEN, LAND types related to blockchain ▲basic modeling practice using the metaverse ▲integrated team startup consulting for modeling team projects.
The recruitment target is 20 women aspiring to start or find jobs in the 4th industrial revolution. The first-generation participant course will be held free of charge every Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the community job creation space ‘Deu Gandeme’ from May 2 to June 22.
Participants will receive benefits such as ▲employment linkage with partner companies ▲team startup programs (establishing a collaborative production base for entrepreneurs) ▲support for participation in appropriate platforms for content production and consumption ▲continuous startup mentoring and consulting support.
Notably, the project executing organization, Social Cooperative Dongsagyeong Center (hereafter ‘Dongsagyeong Center’), is conducting this project in partnership with Triumph X, the first NFT market based on the Klaytn blockchain in Korea, and The Sandbox.
Applications can be submitted via Google Forms, and detailed inquiries can be made by phone to the Dongsagyeong Center Meta Team.
Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol of Dongdaemun-gu said, “We will continue to develop educational programs related to the 4th industry such as the metaverse and nurture creators so that local women can lead regional vitality through creative jobs.”
Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) announced plans to begin undergrounding electric and communication lines between Sangsu Station and Hapjeong Station from mid-April.
Undergrounding involves removing utility poles and burying or relocating various wires underground, a project highly appreciated by residents for its clear skyline and pleasant urban aesthetics.
The maintenance section between Hapjeong Station and Sangsu Station (Dokmak-ro 49 to Dokmak-ro 85) is approximately 600 meters long and adjacent to Hongdae, a popular tourist area. This undergrounding project aims to improve the environment around the ‘Hongdae Culture, Arts, and Tourism Special Zone’ as well.
The project is being promoted with the participation of Korea Electric Power Corporation, KT, and six other telecommunications companies (SK Broadband, SK Telecom, LG Uplus, D’Live, Sejong Telecom Dreamline).
The total project cost is 2.7 billion KRW, with 900 million KRW from the district, 600 million KRW from the city, and 1.2 billion KRW from Korea Electric Power Corporation and telecommunications companies.
The main construction processes include ▲demolition of 15 KEPCO poles and 4 communication poles ▲removal of overhead lines ▲installation of underground conduits ▲installation of 6 transformers and 4 switches.
The construction is scheduled to be completed by November, starting with undergrounding work in front of Dangin-ri Power Plant in May, followed by undergrounding between Sinchon Station and Sogang University Station in July.
The World Cup Buk-ro undergrounding project, which began last year, is expected to be completed by July.
A district official said, “The undergrounding project is essential for creating a safe walking environment and pleasant urban aesthetics,” adding, “We will minimize inconvenience to nearby residents and do our best to complete the construction as soon as possible.”
Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) announced that the Migam Library will hold the ‘Library IN Vegan’ event themed on ‘Veganism’ from the 18th of this month to the 14th of next month.
Recently, veganism, a vegetarian diet considering health and the environment, has rapidly emerged as a major food culture. The Korea Vegetarian Vegan Association reported a meaningful survey result showing that the domestic vegetarian population increased from 150,000 in 2008 to 2.5 million last year.
Especially among the MZ generation, who value ethical consumption, veganism is quickly taking root. Ethical consumption is an eco-friendly consumption culture that adds value to consumption behavior, and veganism is evolving from a dietary habit to a lifestyle that considers the environment.
Accordingly, Migam Library in Yangcheon-gu planned the ‘Library IN Vegan’ event, combining veganism and the library with diverse exhibitions and specialized programs.
Main sections include ▲a thematic exhibition ‘What is Vegan’ that easily explains the concept of veganism ▲a special curation ‘Library IN Vegan’ where librarians introduce vegan books ▲a video exhibition discussing various forms of veganism.
Additionally, stepwise advanced programs are prepared. Step 1 ‘One Step into Vegan’ includes meetings with authors on vegan themes. Step 2 ‘Vegan Feelings: Try, Taste, and Experience’ offers experiential programs for various age groups. Step 3 ‘Leap into Vegan’ features humanities-based lectures on veganism.
Moreover, Migam Library’s popular signature program for elementary students, ‘Kids Cook Delicious Picture Books,’ will continue to be operated.
For more details about the ‘Library IN Vegan’ event, visit the Yangcheon-gu Public Library website or contact Migam Library.
A Migam Library official said, “Demand for ethical consumption considering the earth and environment is increasing,” adding, “Veganism is not an inconvenient lifestyle but one of the ways of life for all of us. This ‘Library IN Vegan’ event will expand the public library’s public function and promote cultural diversity.”
Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jung Soon-gyun) will conduct a comprehensive survey of local cultural assets for designation as local cultural heritage from the 7th to the 20th to strengthen protection and management of cultural heritage.
During the 7th term of the elected mayor, Gangnam-gu recently completed restoration of a Joseon Dynasty kiln site and temple ruins discovered during construction at 540 Suseo-dong. Through a comprehensive survey of relics including the Suseo-dong site, the district’s first local cultural heritage is expected to be designated as early as June.
The survey targets relics held by individuals, museums, and art galleries. Applications can be submitted via the district office website by email, followed by on-site investigation and review by the Local Cultural Heritage Protection Committee for designation.
Local cultural heritage refers to cultural assets designated by the district mayor as requiring preservation, which are not designated as national or metropolitan cultural assets under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act.
Once designated as local cultural heritage, various benefits are provided under the Seoul Metropolitan Government Gangnam-gu Local Cultural Heritage Designation and Management Ordinance, including ▲financial support for preservation, management, and repair ▲installation of guide signs ▲maintenance of access roads and protective facilities ▲annual inspections.
Mayor Jung Soon-gyun of Gangnam-gu said, “Gangnam, Korea’s number one city, is historically significant with the millennium-old Bongeunsa Temple and Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs,” adding, “We will protect and inherit our heritage while enhancing residents’ pride and advancing as a global city with identity.”
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