Hope Bridge Builds 'Disaster Safety Village Hall' in Goseong Affected by Wildfire

Officials attending the inauguration ceremony of the first "Disaster Safety Village Hall" held in Inheung 2-ri, Goseong-gun, Gangwon, are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Hope Bridge

The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association (Chairman Song Pil-ho) announced on the 9th that it held the plaque ceremony for the first 'Disaster Safety Village Hall' being constructed at seven locations in Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, an area affected by the 2019 wildfires. The event held in Inheung 2-ri was attended by Ham Myeong-jun, Goseong County Governor, Ham Hyeong-jin, Vice Chairman of Goseong County Council, Kim Jin, Goseong County Council member, and Shin Hoon, Secretary General of Hope Bridge.

The remodeled village hall, transformed into a Disaster Safety Village Hall, will serve as an evacuation shelter for disaster victims during wildfires and other disasters, and function as a community space for residents to use conveniently during normal times.

Its special features include ▲non-combustible and fire-resistant exterior wall construction ▲installation of safety railings ▲creation of internal evacuation spaces ▲provision of sports facilities. Home appliances and furniture such as washing machines are also provided for convenience during temporary housing. Hope Bridge is promoting the project through long-term on-site needs surveys, analysis, and design involving construction experts. The six other halls currently under construction are planned to be completed within the year.

Park Yong-gwon, head of Inheung 2-ri, said, “The Disaster Safety Village Hall will greatly help residents live safely,” adding, “We will use it as a space where residents can live with peace of mind and share news even during normal times.”

Shin Hoon, Secretary General of Hope Bridge, said, “During the 2019 wildfires, Hope Bridge provided relief on-site and offered some comfort to disaster victims through national fundraising,” and added, “We hope the Disaster Safety Village Hall, as part of various programs for community recovery, will become a space for residents’ safety and communication.”