[Gwanga in] Reasons for Positive Reviews of the Uncharacteristic 'Open House' by the Bank of Korea

"It was a refreshing event where the older generation and the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) could harmonize."

The Open House event held by the Bank of Korea on the 12th to commemorate its reoccupation of the Namdaemun-ro headquarters was successfully concluded, receiving high praise within the Bank. The event, featuring vibrant ideas and a unique concept, garnered enthusiastic responses from employees, with many saying, "This is on a completely different level compared to previous events held by the Bank."

The conference hall where the Open House was held was decorated with a retro concept, and Bank of Korea employees gradually entered. Instead of sitting in stiff seats, all activities were conducted standing, allowing attendees to explore various parts of the venue. The event space was divided into three zones: the 'Experience Zone,' where attendees could directly enjoy various fun activities; the 'Food Zone,' offering nostalgic snacks available at different times; and the 'Photo Zone,' where participants could take life photos with various props against desired backgrounds. These zones captivated employees with a rich variety of attractions.

In one corner of the venue, attendees could enjoy games crossing generations, from the nostalgic arcade game 'Galaga,' popular with the older generation, to the latest VR (Virtual Reality) games favored by the younger generation. Next to it, traditional games such as Yutnori and Ddakji were set up for intergenerational participation. Nostalgic snacks like Dalgona and Ppeongtwigi were shared, and a photo zone was also installed, providing a space for employees to reminisce and converse. The 'BOK Pub,' named after the Bank of Korea's English acronym, served Makgeolli and other drinks to celebrate the headquarters' reoccupation. Additionally, snacks such as donuts, Yakgwa cookies, gelato, and scones, which are currently popular among the MZ generation, were served every 30 minutes, accompanied by performances from indie bands, creating a lively atmosphere.

One of the most popular features among employees was the 'Life Four-Cut' corner, where Bank of Korea staff could take sticker photos together. This photo booth, which has recently regained popularity, was set up for employees to enjoy together, and Governor Lee Chang-yong emerged as the 'insider' of the day. Normally, two people enter the booth to take photos, but when Governor Lee volunteered to take sticker photos, many young employees, including research officers, crowded in to take group photos with him, demonstrating his popularity. Along with Governor Lee, Monetary Policy Committee members Jo Yoon-je, Park Chun-seop, Jang Yong-seong, and Shin Sung-hwan also engaged in communication, further enhancing the event.

Kim Tae-kyung, Director of the Planning and Cooperation Bureau at the Bank of Korea, explained, "The purpose of this event was to commemorate the successful completion of the complex and challenging process of reoccupying the headquarters." He added, "Since communication between generations is important, sharing old games and snacks was intended to facilitate smoother communication going forward." Director Kim also noted, "The event was called 'an un-BOK-like event' and was successfully concluded largely thanks to the efforts of the Bank's internal MZ generation. Young employees, including research officers, led the event planning, and by incorporating new ideas rather than sticking to traditional Bank-style events, it became a fun and innovative event."

In May, to celebrate Family Month, the Bank of Korea also held an event where employees who submitted photos taken during family sports and cultural activities with their families received cultural gift certificates worth 100,000 won, which led to high participation from staff. Chae Byung-deuk, Director of the Human Resources and Management Bureau, said, "As children grow up, it becomes difficult to gather for sports and cultural activities, but many shared feedback that they were able to dine out together and take photos thanks to this event." He added, "The response was enthusiastic, with about 85% of employees participating." A research officer who participated in the event said, "Now that a year has passed since Governor Lee took office, I feel that the previously rigid internal atmosphere has changed significantly. As the atmosphere to strengthen communication gradually takes hold, fresh and innovative ideas are emerging more frequently within the organization."

[Image source=Yonhap News]