Better Together!... How Single-Person Households in Gwanak-gu Enjoy Chuseok

Creating a Warm Holiday Atmosphere with Diverse Chuseok Programs for Single-Person Households
Providing a Space for Communication through Nostalgic Traditional Games and Practicing Neighborly Love by Sharing Holiday Dishes

After a long, scorching heatwave has ended and stepping into the threshold of autumn, Chuseok, the harvest festival where people share the year's bounty with those around them, has swiftly approached.

In response, Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has prepared various programs for single-person households in the area to ensure everyone can have a happy Chuseok.

As part of this year’s Chuseok programs, the district organized gatherings for all age groups?from youth to seniors?just like a whole family coming together, along with traditional holiday food-making activities, so that single-person households can also fully experience the festive atmosphere.

First, on the 7th, the Gwanak-gu Single-Person Household Support Center held a social network program called “Friends Are Good” for all groups to meet together.

The eight groups, consisting of ▲youth ▲middle-aged ▲seniors, have been conducting regular activities at least once a month since April.

This time, a venue was prepared for all participants to meet in celebration of the holiday. At the general meeting, activities were held to bridge the generational gap and share childhood memories. Participants enjoyed traditional games such as ▲large Yutnori ▲Jegichagi ▲Tuho, all together, followed by a session of decorating wooden spoons with mother-of-pearl craft.

On the 9th, the cooking class program “Cooking Is Good” for single-person households aged 65 and over made representative holiday dishes, mung bean pancakes and braised pork ribs.

Under the guidance of a professional chef, participants practiced cooking in pairs, and then shared the dishes they made together while conversing, encouraging interaction among the seniors.

Additionally, recipes were provided so that seniors could easily follow and enjoy the meals at home afterward.

On the 10th, at Bongcheon Welfare Center, middle-aged single men participated in Gwanak-style single-person household support project “Three Go 2nd Term,” forming relationships through table tennis and cooking, and held a Chuseok neighbor-sharing cooking activity.

The participants shopped for ingredients themselves and cooked holiday dishes such as zucchini pancakes and japchae. The prepared food was carefully packaged and will be personally delivered to neighboring households they are close to, sharing warm affection.

Mayor Park Junhee said, “I hope single-person households become neighbors through this opportunity and enjoy a warm and abundant Chuseok,” adding, “We will continue to make every effort to prepare various policies for single-person households.”