Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, Announces the Start of Construction at the Residents' Briefing Session for Phase 4 of Subway Line 9
Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, attended the residents' briefing session for Phase 4 construction of Seoul Subway Line 9 held at the Seoul Convention High School gymnasium on the 4th and officially announced the commencement of construction to the residents.
Despite being 5 p.m. on a weekday, about 250 residents who had been waiting for the start of Phase 4 of Line 9 attended, creating a lively atmosphere. Representatives from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Urban Infrastructure Headquarters and the construction companies provided updates on the construction status by section and safety management plans. A Q&A session addressing various residents' inquiries about the construction further energized the event.
Mayor Lee Soo-hee of Gangdong-gu said, “I deeply thank the residents who have worked hard for the long-awaited Phase 4 construction of Subway Line 9. Our district will do its best to sincerely address various inconveniences residents may experience after construction, such as dust, noise, and traffic congestion.”
Gangbuk-gu, First in the Nation to Install ‘Saerodeung’ (細路燈) at Small Intersections
Focused Installation of Saerodeung Around Small Intersections to Eliminate Nighttime Traffic Blind Spots
50 Locations Around Dobong-ro This Year... Completion of 250 Units by 2025
Dedicated Team Composed of Related Agencies and Experts Operates... Maximizing Project by Exploring Technical Directions and Energy Savings
Illuminance Raised to 24 Lux at Busy Suyu Station and Miasageori Station
Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Soon-hee) announced that it will establish a denser safety system by installing ‘Saerodeung’ around small intersections for the first time nationwide.
‘Saerodeung’ (細路燈), a term first coined by Gangbuk-gu, refers to road lighting facilities installed on side streets and small intersections. Compared to the main roads where streetlights are densely installed, these lights illuminate relatively dark narrow roads to enhance object recognition and prevent safety accidents.
To install Saerodeung, the district conducted a thorough survey of main roads and side streets over the past two months. Based on the results, approximately KRW 320 million will be invested to install 250 Saerodeung units by 2025 in side streets and small intersections with low illuminance.
This year’s project targets 50 small intersections around Dobong-ro. The district plans to gradually enhance the project’s completeness by installing Saerodeung in nighttime vulnerable walking areas such as Nohae-ro, Deokneung-ro, and Ohyeon-ro in subsequent phases.
Additionally, a dedicated task force (TF) composed of related agencies such as the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gangbuk Police Station, Northern Road Office, and external experts will operate to incorporate technical directions, energy savings, and citizens’ traffic culture into the project.
A district official said, “Following incidents like the Yongsan Itaewon tragedy last year, residents’ demand for safety has greatly increased. We expect that Saerodeung will significantly reduce safety accidents, including traffic accidents.”
Furthermore, the district will improve the illuminance of streetlights around Suyu Station and Miasageori Station, designated as Type 4 Lighting Environment Management Zones.
This area is a commercial district with a large floating population and frequent crowd gatherings. According to the district, complaints have been raised about the relative darkness when entering Gangbuk-gu via City Hall, Jongno, and Seongbuk, along with concerns about safety accidents.
Accordingly, the district plans to improve the illuminance of 82 streetlights around Suyu Station and 15 around Miasageori Station, raising the illuminance to 24 lux by the first half of this year.
Mayor Lee Soon-hee of Gangbuk-gu said, “Through selective and focused efforts, we will not only save budget and improve the walking environment but also ensure residents’ safety. We will make this year the inaugural year for preventing safety accidents in Gangbuk-gu and do our best to ensure residents can live safely in Gangbuk-gu.”
Jungnang-gu to Hold ‘When Cherry Blossoms Bloom, Open a Book’ Themed ‘2023 Gyeomjae Book Street Festival’ on April 8
A Representative Spring Book Festival Created and Enjoyed Together by Local Residents and Libraries
Offers a Variety of Attractions and Activities Including Stage Performances, Book Exchange, Experiences, Games, and Exhibitions
Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) will bring great joy to residents with a spring festival that marks the beginning of the warm spring. The district announced that it will hold the ‘2023 Gyeomjae Book Street Festival’ on April 8 along the Jungnangcheon riverside and embankment near Gyeomjae Bridge.
Started in 2018 and now in its fifth year, the Gyeomjae Book Street Festival is a representative spring book festival enjoyed while walking along the cherry blossom path on the Jungnangcheon embankment and the refreshing riverside. Various local stakeholders including public libraries, private small libraries, Saemaeul Geumgo (community libraries), school libraries, village community book rooms, and local authors participate together to create the festival.
This year, under the theme “When Cherry Blossoms Bloom, Open a Book,” the festival will feature a variety of book programs. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 8th, the festival will unfold against the backdrop of the fully bloomed cherry blossoms around Gyeomjae Bridge.
First, stage events suitable for all ages from children to adults will be held. These include ▲a magical ‘Book Magic Show’ and ‘Reading Quiz Show’ that awaken the joy of reading for children ▲a children’s musical ‘Deongdeokung! Cheongguri-jeon,’ adapted from traditional folk tales with rhythm games ▲and an author lecture by Jang Kang-myung titled ‘Why and How to Read Novels,’ discussing proper reading methods.
There will also be a ‘2113 Book Exchange’ where participants can exchange two old books at home for one new book, with up to three books exchangeable per person.
Additionally, various experience and play booths where residents can participate and enjoy will be available. These include ▲bookbinding ▲beaded bookmark making ▲spring postcard making ▲spring flower photo studio ‘Gyeomjae Life Four Cuts’ ▲I’m Also an Author Project ▲and a traveling book reading bus, among about 20 exciting experience programs.
Moreover, the ‘Book Camping Playground,’ designed as a camping-themed reading space, allows visitors to comfortably enjoy reading and play activities. Various photo zones and pop-up book exhibitions using books will be set up along the walking paths.
Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi of Jungnang-gu said, “I hope families, friends, and neighbors can enjoy reading and create happy memories together at the Book Street Festival on this warm spring day. We will continue to prepare various programs to create an environment where more residents can enjoy the pleasure of reading.”
Jongno-gu to Hold Cherry Blossom Festival at Samcheong Park on April 8-9
Spring Event for Local Merchants, Residents, and Tourists at Samcheong Park on April 8-9
Featuring Village Parade, Guest Singer Performances, Food Market, and Experience Booths
Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Moon-heon) will hold the ‘1st Samcheong-dong Cherry Blossom Festival’ at Samcheong Park on April 8 and 9.
This is the first spring event held by the district since the mask mandate was lifted. With the slogan ‘Samcheong Modern Festival Where Everyone Gathers’ to welcome the cherry blossom season, it will be a place where residents and tourists come together.
In light of renewed attention to the area due to the opening of the Blue House and the Bukaksan hiking trail, the Samcheong Merchants Association and the Neighborhood Function Organizations Federation have carefully prepared the event to revitalize the local commercial district, promote resident harmony, and boost tourism.
Main programs include ▲a village parade featuring children’s Taekwondo teams and Jaedong Elementary School’s pungmul (traditional percussion) group ▲janggu and nanta (percussion) performances ▲and cherry blossom booths. Special guest singer performances by Lee Seung-hoon of ‘Rainy Street,’ Yoon Tae-gyu of ‘My Way,’ and Lee Young-shin of ‘No Reverse in My Life’ will be held, along with citizen participation street busking.
During the festival, cherry blossom booths operating from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. will sell traditional knots, accessories, and women’s clothing, and offer caricature and candle-making experiences. Food trucks will also serve freshly made delicious food.
There will also be an event where visitors who take photos at local landmarks and upload them to their personal SNS will receive coupons usable at the festival. Photo spots where participants can create special memories will be set up.
Additionally, a ‘plogging’ campaign, which involves picking up trash while walking, will be conducted. Those wishing to participate in this meaningful activity that combines enjoying the festival and cleaning Samcheong-dong’s environment can apply in advance through the 1365 Volunteer Portal.
For more details, inquiries can be made at the Samcheong-dong Community Service Center. Part of the festival’s proceeds will be donated as aid for neighbors in need.
Mayor Jeong Moon-heon said, “Welcoming the warm spring, we have carefully planned an event where everyone, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy from village parade performances to various experience booths led by local merchants. In line with the easing of COVID-19, I recommend spending unforgettable time with family, friends, and neighbors at Samcheong Park this weekend.”
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