Mapo-gu Adds Vitality to Hongdae’s ‘Red Road’. Character Contest Held
Open to All Ages and Regions Until February 20, Total Prize Money of 7 Million KRW
Character Contest for a Goblin Representing the Artistic Sensibility and Uninhibited Youth of Hongdae
Emotional Cultural Path Red Road Connecting Gyeongui Line Forest Trail~Hongdae~Danginri Power Plant, Promoting Through Character Development
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Kang-su) is creating the Hongdae theme street ‘Red Road’ to revitalize the commercial district of the cultural and artistic tourism special zone Hongdae and to promote long-term regional development.
The district is holding a character contest to breathe life into the Red Road.
One of Mapo-gu’s core projects for creating a charming Mapo full of excitement in 2023, the ‘Red Road (RED ROAD)’ is a themed street connecting the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail, Hongdae Pedestrian Street, and Danginri Power Plant. It is an emotional cultural path designed with a color scheme centered on red, symbolizing ‘youth,’ ‘passion,’ and ‘culture.’
The theme of the character contest is a pair of goblin characters, Kkaebi and Kkaesun (names finalized), that express the characteristics of the Hongdae tourism special zone, which becomes livelier at night, as well as the artistic sensibility and uninhibited youthful atmosphere of Hongdae.
The contest period is until February 20, open to anyone regardless of age or region, and individuals or teams can apply. Only one entry per person (team) is allowed.
Applications can be submitted by downloading the application form from the Mapo-gu Office website notice board, filling out the required documents, and submitting one basic character design and three applied character designs to the Tourism Policy Division via email.
The district will select a total of three Red Road characters?one grand prize winner and two excellence prize winners?through a two-stage judging process considering originality, symbolism, popularity, usability, and completeness. The winners will be announced on the Mapo-gu Office website at the end of February.
The prize money totals 7 million KRW: 5 million KRW for the grand prize (1 person) and 1 million KRW each for the two excellence prizes.
Through this character contest, the district plans to develop fresh characters reflecting the latest trends and actively use them to promote the Red Road by producing various tourism products and content to revitalize the Hongdae tourism special zone.
Park Kang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “With the creation of the Hongdae Red Road and Eoulmadang-ro specialized streets, a pedestrian network connecting the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail to the Han River-side Danginri Power Plant will be established, raising the tourism brand value of the Hongdae area to a new level. We ask for much interest and participation in the character contest that will enhance Mapo’s tourism brand value and firmly establish the identity of the Hongdae Red Road.”
Seodaemun-gu Renovates Entrance to Baekryeonsan Hiking Trail That Spoiled the Scenery
Approximately 1,500㎡ Near Myeongji Elementary School (Hong-eun-dong San 26-184) Transformed into a Pleasant Space
Unauthorized Cultivation Area Paved, Streetlights, CCTV, Benches, and Exercise Equipment Installed
Green Landscape Created by Planting Ipop Trees, Azaleas, and Pine Trees Harmonizing with the Surroundings
Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Seong-heon) announced on the 7th that it recently created a pleasant walking path and rest area at the entrance of the Baekryeonsan hiking trail near Myeongji Elementary School (Hong-eun-dong San 26-184).
From here, the hiking trail extends about 3.5 km, passing Maebawi Forest Experience Center for Children, Baekryeonsan summit, and the upper part of Nongol Village, reaching Hong-eun Intersection (Hongje Stream).
Although many residents use this trail regularly, the area needed improvement due to unauthorized cultivation, litter, poor scenery, and foul odors.
The district compensated for this approximately 1,500㎡ private land through an urban planning project and carried out pavement work with various patterns for aesthetic purposes.
Additionally, they planted Ipop trees, azaleas, and pine trees to create a green landscape harmonizing with the surroundings, and installed streetlights, CCTV, benches, and exercise equipment. This makes it clear to everyone that this is the entrance to the hiking trail, unlike before.
Mayor Lee Seong-heon said, “We will continue to strive to create a pleasant environment so that the Baekryeonsan hiking trail, along with Ansan and Bukhansan trails, can become a pride of Seodaemun-gu.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
