LetsRun Park Busan Gyeongnam and Busan Gangseo District Office to Promote Regional Development Project Using Horses

Joining Hands to Address Social Issues Such as Avoidance of Marriage and Childbirth

Korea Racing Authority Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam is joining forces with Gangseo-gu Office in Busan to help address social issues such as the avoidance of marriage and childbirth, which have become national concerns.

Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam signed a business agreement with Gangseo-gu Office in Busan on the 27th of last month for the "Government Key Initiative Support Project Utilizing Horses."

The signing ceremony, held at Gangseo-gu Office, was attended by Um Youngseok, Head of the Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters of Korea Racing Authority, Kim Hyeongchan, Mayor of Gangseo-gu, Busan, and other related officials.

Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam launched a social contribution project utilizing horses in April this year to help solve national issues by leveraging its horse industry resources, including horses and professional personnel.

Since then, the organization has designed various programs using horses as a medium, addressing issues throughout the human life cycle such as marriage, childbirth, parenting, and career breaks. In collaboration with four institutions in Gangseo-gu, Busan, including Gangseo-gu Office, they have been promoting healing horseback riding and horse therapy programs.

In the first half of the year, the following programs were conducted: ▲ "Dream Start," in partnership with the Resident Welfare Division of Gangseo-gu Office, invited families from vulnerable groups to experience horseback riding and tour the massage station, strengthening family bonds; ▲ horse therapy with Nakdong Comprehensive Social Welfare Center to help menopausal women relieve stress; ▲ healing horseback riding for seniors living independently to boost their vitality and emotional stability.

With the momentum gained from this agreement, the second half of the year will feature: ▲ horse therapy for grandparent-grandchild families to promote intergenerational harmony and enhance family functions; ▲ a "I'm Solo" dating event at the race park, offering single men and women of marriageable age the opportunity to meet through horseback riding; ▲ a photography program supporting wedding and family snapshots for couples preparing for marriage and childbirth; ▲ and healing horseback riding programs for local residents in need of psychological healing, such as vulnerable groups and veterans.

Um Youngseok, Head of the Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters of Korea Racing Authority, said, "We launched this project to work with local governments in addressing social issues such as low birth rates, parenting, and elderly care, and to move in a better direction," adding, "Through this agreement, we will strive to help more local residents overcome difficulties through horses."

LetsRun Park Busan Gyeongnam and Busan Gangseo District Office are signing a business agreement to promote regional development projects using horses. (Third from left, Kim Hyungchan, head of Busan Gangseo District Office; fourth from left, Eom Youngseok, head of Busan Gyeongnam Headquarters)