[Seoul District News] Gwanak-gu Holds 'Little Gang Gam-chan' Launch Ceremony on the 4th: Selects 20 Sixth-Grade Elementary Students Full of Challenge Spirit & Offers Various Activities Including Seoul National University Observatory Star Viewing, General Gang Gam-chan Play, and Archery Experience at the Gugungjang & Provides Special Experience as Children's Nanta Performers in October's '2022 Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival' Parade ... Please Find Songpa's Proud Heroes
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] To welcome General Gang Gam-chan, the hero of the Battle of Gwiju who defeated an army of 100,000 Khitan troops, the little commander ‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ is launching.
Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) held the inauguration ceremony of ‘Little Gang Gam-chan,’ where children understand local culture under the values and challenging spirit of General Gang Gam-chan and directly learn and experience the general’s outstanding wisdom and bravery.
The inauguration ceremony was held on the 4th at the Single Bungle Education Center auditorium, attended by Gwanak-gu Mayor Park Jun-hee, Gwanak Cultural Foundation CEO Cha Min-tae, and others, who encouraged a strong start along with the appointment of ‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ members.
‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ was prepared as part of a successful project for the ‘2022 Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival,’ one of Seoul’s representative historical and cultural festivals, to cultivate the spirit and historical value of the general born in Gwanak-gu.
Kim, a student selected as a member of ‘Little Gang Gam-chan,’ said, “I was always curious about General Gang Gam-chan because the character is everywhere in Gwanak-gu, and I look forward to learning and experiencing a lot through this ‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ activity,” expressing hopeful aspirations.
The first group of ‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ consists of 20 sixth-grade elementary school students from Gwanak-gu who have a strong interest in history and a challenging spirit.
Over five months, they will engage in a total of 15 play activities to learn the outstanding wisdom and bravery of General Gang Gam-chan, including star observation at Seoul National University Astronomical Observatory, a tour of the Kyujanggak, a play acting as General Gang Gam-chan, and archery experience at Gwanakjeong National Archery Range.
Programs such as ‘Nakseongdae Star Observation Experience’ led by a professor from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Seoul National University, ‘Reply Our Hero’ war memorial tour at Yongsan War Memorial, and ‘Nakseongdae Park - Gang Gam-chan Birthplace Walking Tour’ with cultural activists’ storytelling are conducted by expert mentors, attracting not only children but also parents who value education.
Especially, first graduates of ‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ will have a special experience participating as children’s Nanta performers in the ‘2022 Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival’ heritage parade held in October.
Going forward, the district plans to continuously expand ‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ from people in their 20s to middle-aged and older adults, encouraging broad resident participation and operating various programs based on Gwanak’s hero General Gang Gam-chan, thereby establishing continuity for the ‘Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival.’
Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “Within the Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival made directly by Gwanak residents, ‘Little Gang Gam-chan’ composed of Gwanak children will grow into young Gang Gam-chan in 10 years and continue to be Gwanak’s Gang Gam-chan who resonates with the times,” adding, “I hope to inherit the spirit of patriotism by carrying on the wisdom and bravery of General Gang Gam-chan who saved our country in times of war,” explaining the purpose of this Little Gang Gam-chan program.
Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) is accepting nominations for the ‘Songpa Citizen Award,’ which recognizes exemplary citizens and organizations contributing to community development, until August 31.
Now in its 11th year, the Songpa Citizen Award actively discovers citizens who quietly serve and become social role models throughout the community and honors their contributions.
The award categories include ▲Citizen Grand Prize ▲Filial Piety Award ▲Volunteer Award ▲Model Youth Award ▲Citizen Harmony Award ▲Education, Culture, and Sports Award ▲Regional Economic Revitalization Award ▲Civil Society Organization Award.
Among these, the Citizen Grand Prize is the highest honor representing Songpa citizens and is awarded to one citizen (or organization) with the most outstanding achievements among candidates in each field.
Nominees must be individuals or organizations who have resided or operated a business in Songpa-gu for more than three years as of the announcement date (July 15, 2022). However, the Education, Culture, and Sports Award, Regional Economic Revitalization Award, and Civil Society Organization Award have no residency restrictions.
Nominations can be jointly submitted by 10 or more residents through the head of the local community service center or recommended by related institutions, organization heads, school principals, or two or more district council members per category.
The submission deadline is August 31. Completed nomination forms and required documents should be submitted to the Songpa-gu Office’s Autonomous Administration Division or local community service centers. Forms can be downloaded from the district’s website.
Winners will be selected through a rigorous review by the Songpa Citizen Award Screening Committee and will be honored at the Songpa Citizen’s Day event in September.
Mayor Seo Gang-seok said, “In the 8th term of the elected government, Songpa-gu will transform residents into active citizens to create a ‘Rebounding Songpa.’ I ask for active interest and nominations from citizens so that hidden volunteers around us can shine as Songpa’s pride.”
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