Gwangju City Councilor Park Mijeong: "936 Residents Living in 'Jjokbang' in Gwangju"

Concerns Over Blind Spots... Need to Expand Jjokbit Counseling Center Branch No. 2

Park Mi-jung, Gwangju City Council Member

It has been pointed out that urgent measures are needed as the number of residents living in non-residential facilities called ‘jjokbang’ within Gwangju city was found to be 936.

On the 5th, Park Mijeong, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party, Dong-gu 2), stated during the administrative audit of the Gwangju Social Service Center, “According to the recent full survey on the living conditions of jjokbang residents, the number of residents was identified as 936,” adding, “This is more than three times the previously known 290 households, so measures need to be taken.”

Jjokbang residents refer to those currently receiving livelihood and housing benefits in Gwangju city who live by paying monthly rent in non-residential facilities such as motels, inns, and guesthouses. Jjokbangs, which are often converted from inns or red-light districts, lack basic facilities such as dining and cooking areas and are vulnerable to fires.

The number of jjokbang residents by the five autonomous districts of Gwangju is ▲Gwangsan-gu 32 ▲Nam-gu 45 ▲Seo-gu 114 ▲Dong-gu 265 ▲Buk-gu 480. This shows a significant difference from the previously known fact that many jjokbang residents lived in Daein-dong and Gyelim-dong in Dong-gu. About 200 jjokbang residents in Dong-gu are supported through the ‘Jjokbit Counseling Center’ operated by the Gwangju Restart Comprehensive Support Center.

Councilor Park said, “Most jjokbang residents are often isolated from their families or society and suffer from economic difficulties and health problems,” emphasizing, “Social interest and support are necessary.”

She also proposed, “It is necessary to establish a second branch of the Jjokbit Counseling Center, which can serve as a hub, in Buk-gu, where the largest number of jjokbang residents were surveyed, or in other areas to address blind spots.”