Opening of Gangdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center

Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Center's Opening with a Commemorative Event Reflecting on Past Achievements... Over 3,000 Visitors Attended, Marking a Great Success

Famous writer Irang also held a book talk under the theme "Even Work You Love Needs Money"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Over the past five years, the number of single-person households in Gangdong-gu has surged to account for 37.3% of all households.

This is not only a phenomenon in Gangdong-gu but a nationwide social change. Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Soo-hee) has been actively promoting policies to support single-person households and opened the 'Gangdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center' early last January, which has been operating since then.

The 'Gangdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center,' which has been running various programs across multiple fields such as housing, health, safety, and social isolation support, welcomed over 3,000 visitors last year alone and is now celebrating its first anniversary. A commemorative event for the 1st anniversary will be held on the 23rd.

The 1st anniversary event, held under the subtitle "Gangdong Single, Truly Good," will feature a first part showcasing the current status and achievements of the projects and activity videos of participants, followed by a cheerful book talk by writer and singer-songwriter Irang.

In particular, inviting writer Irang, who has a diverse background, the book talk titled "Even Work You Love Needs Money" is expected to deliver messages of comfort and empathy to single-person households who bear the responsibility of housing and livelihood alone but face many life uncertainties, drawing great interest.

Located on the 2nd floor of Cheonho-dong Aureum Center (297-5 Gucheonmyeon-ro), where the proportion of single-person households is high, the 'Gangdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center' operates various programs and small groups reflecting the needs and preferences of single-person households by generation. It also provides psychological counseling services and convenience facilities, currently boasting about 800 registered members and running successfully.

The center runs diverse programs including cultural leisure programs, psychological counseling programs, community support projects, and convenience services. Among these, the solo dining project using the 'Smart Shared Kitchen' has become widely known as an excellent case in other districts, with 13 institutions benchmarking it so far.

Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, "We plan to continuously discover various customized programs for different generations such as youth, middle-aged, and elderly, so that more single-person households can benefit."

Meanwhile, the 'Gangdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center' offers various programs and benefits through simple membership registration, and even those who are not single-person households but residents of Gangdong-gu can join as associate members to use some facilities and services.

Jongno-gu Offers 1.5% Low-Interest Loans to Small Business Owners Facing Financial Difficulties... Up to 100 Million KRW

Real Estate Collateral Loans up to 100 Million KRW, Guarantee Issuance Loans up to 50 Million KRW for Jongno Residents, 30 Million KRW for Non-Residents... Applications Accepted Until the 24th

Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Moon-heon) is launching the '2023 First Half Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund Loan Support' to assist local SMEs and small business owners struggling due to rising interest rates and prolonged COVID-19 impacts.

The support scale is 1 billion KRW with a loan interest rate of 1.5%, a 1-year grace period, and 4 years of equal installment repayment. Loans are available only to companies with credit or collateral under bank credit regulations.

The loan limit is 100 million KRW for real estate collateral loans, and for loans guaranteed by the Credit Guarantee Foundation, up to 50 million KRW for Jongno residents and 30 million KRW for residents of other regions. Loan funds must be used for facility, operating capital, or technology development purposes.

Eligible applicants include ▲small and medium enterprises with registered factories within the district ▲tenants of startup incubation centers ▲small enterprises and small business owners as defined by Article 2 of the Small Business Protection and Support Act. Restricted industries include entertainment bars, finance, insurance, and real estate businesses.

Applications must be submitted by the 24th after consultation with Woori Bank Jongno-gu Branch and Seoul Credit Guarantee Foundation, including a business plan, a copy of the business registration certificate, and proof of business location. Application forms must be downloaded from the district office website.

Loan amounts may be adjusted or applicants excluded based on screening results. If the loan funds are used for purposes different from those initially submitted, recovery actions will be taken. For more details, refer to the announcement on the district office website or contact the Job Economy Division, Living Economy Team.

Mayor Jeong Moon-heon said, "Through this low-interest loan, we aim to be a reliable support for local small business owners enduring economic recession and high interest rates. We will continue to devise effective support measures and strive to revitalize the local economy."

"Free Startup Space"... Eunpyeong Startup Support Center Recruiting Resident Companies

Applications Open Until the 19th... Free Startup Space Support for Up to 3 Years

Preference Given to AI, ICT, Biohealth, and Eco-Friendly Companies

Provides Internet, Business Environment, Startup Education, and Consulting

Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced that it is recruiting entrepreneurs to move into the 'Eunpyeong Startup Support Center' until the 19th.

The 'Eunpyeong Startup Support Center,' established by the district, addresses the shortage of startup company spaces and supports startups tailored to local characteristics. The center is a four-story building with a total area of 365.87㎡, including resident spaces, meeting rooms, and studios.

The spaces available for residency include six single-person seats, six two-person rooms, and one four-person room. The residency period is six months from March to August next year. Afterward, it can be extended annually up to a maximum of three years upon passing renewal evaluations.

Rent is free, with a monthly consumables management fee of 10,000 KRW per person. Resident companies are provided with basic equipment such as internet, wired phones, and personal lockers, along with startup mentoring and education support.

Eligible applicants are prospective entrepreneurs or companies less than seven years old located in Eunpyeong-gu. Companies from other regions must relocate their headquarters to the Eunpyeong Startup Support Center. Preference is given to companies in AI, ICT, biohealth, and eco-friendly sectors. Businesses excluded under the Small and Medium Enterprise Startup Support Act are not eligible.

Interested companies should apply via email by the 19th. Selection will be based on document and presentation evaluations assessing business purpose, technology, business viability, and management capability. Results will be announced on the 27th, and move-in starts on the 2nd of next month.

Application forms and details are available on the Eunpyeong-gu website and the Eunpyeong Startup Support Center website.

Mayor Kim Mi-kyung of Eunpyeong-gu said, "Amid the recent second venture boom, we hope this recruitment will serve as a stepping stone for excellent startups to grow into future unicorn companies."