Birth of the 'Hyangnamu Youth Volunteer Group' in Geoyeo 2-dong, Songpa-gu

Inauguration Ceremony on the 19th... From Autonomous Community Center Contest Connection to Becoming a Self-Sustaining Youth Organization
Composed of 28 Members Including 90s-born Teachers and Various Ages/Jobs → Promoting SNS and Pursuing Generational Integration

A self-sustaining youth organization has been established in Geoye2-dong, Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seo Gang-seok).

On the 19th, the ‘Hyangnamu Youth Volunteer Group,’ consisting of 28 young residents, held its inauguration ceremony and began full-scale activities.

Named after the Hyangnamu tree, a protected tree that has guarded the 700-year-old village, the ‘Hyangnamu Youth Volunteer Group’ is especially meaningful as it was formed autonomously by local residents rather than being government-led.

The beginning was their participation in the 2023 Community Center Competition. The ‘Trampoline Jumping’ class participants, who worked hard together, shared the joy of winning the grand prize and built strong bonds. Since then, they continued kimchi-making volunteer work linked to local specialized projects and voluntary plogging, eventually deciding to form an organization to engage in more systematic volunteer activities.

The average age of the members who gathered with this shared purpose is in their mid-40s. While this may seem old, it is actually much younger than other professional groups whose average age is in their 60s. Their occupations and ages vary widely, from teachers born in the 1990s, entrepreneurs in their 30s, English instructors, to nursing assistants.

They plan to carry out various activities to revitalize the local community, mainly through SNS promotion. They are also planning to serve as a bridge for young residents to participate in the community and as advocates for village activities centered around exercise.

Jung In-hyang, the group leader, said, “We will burn with passionate enthusiasm and determination befitting the name ‘youth,’” adding, “I hope the members can join anytime they have time and communicate ideas freely online, creating a comfortable and active group.”

The inauguration ceremony on the 19th was a celebration of the volunteer group’s first step as a source of vitality for the community. Under the slogan ‘Small Hands, Big Changes, Growing Together in Geoye2-dong!,’ the members pledged their active participation, while existing local professional group members expressed their expectations and support for the younger generation with enthusiastic congratulatory messages.

In addition, youth participation in local administration is increasing throughout the area. In July, Geoye1-dong held a meeting where a youth group of 12 residents under 40 proposed quarterly policy ideas, and in Songpa2-dong, a youth organization was also formed, becoming a fresh driving force in the community.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “I hope local youth will become important partners who can enhance administrative achievements and serve as a foundation for revitalizing professional groups,” adding, “We will continue to do our best to increase opportunities for youth participation in district administration and reflect diverse residents’ voices in governance.”