Seongdong District (District Mayor Jung Wono) announced that it is the only district among Seoul's autonomous districts to operate the 'Seongdong Sharing Center,' actively promoting the spread of a sustainable sharing culture.
The 'Seongdong Sharing Center' (10 Haengdang-ro 6-gil, Seongdong-gu), which began operations in 2017, is equipped with more than 1,000 items, including camping equipment, tools, and household goods. It provides a low-cost rental service for Seongdong residents, students, and workers who live or work in the district.
To allow residents to conveniently pick up rented items near their homes, a hub delivery service is also available. Currently, 17 locations within the district, such as welfare centers, libraries, and apartment management offices, have been designated as pickup points.
In April last year, a 'smart unmanned sharing locker' was installed at the Seongdong Sharing Center to allow users to rent and return items conveniently after working hours or on weekends. After applying in advance via the website or mobile, users can authenticate themselves on-site using a QR code and access the service 24 hours a day. The lockers are available in various sizes, making it possible to use even for large items such as camping equipment.
The center also provides space-sharing services, offering a variety of communication spaces for rent, such as the 'Gongyumaru BBQ Party' for urban relaxation, a shared kitchen, and a shared bookshelf. At 'Modeuui Gonggan' (near Hanyang University Intersection), a community shared space in Hanyang Square, small meetings, gatherings, and group activities can be held at low cost.
A variety of talent-sharing programs are also actively operated. Notably, the 'Repair Cafe' experience program, where participants fix broken items themselves, is held on the fourth Saturday of every month. The community 'Gong(You) Banjang,' formed by residents interested in repair skills, volunteers their expertise to guide participants in self-repair methods. Tools and materials needed for repairs are available at the Sharing Center for use.
To expand accessibility, the center extends its operating hours until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, and frequently purchases new items in response to high-demand requests from residents.
This year, a bartering platform will also be newly introduced through the Seongdong Sharing Center website. This will allow residents to exchange and share unused items from their homes, aiming to vitalize the local sharing economy.
Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District, stated, "'Seongdong Sharing Center' is leading the spread of a sustainable sharing culture by shifting the concept from 'ownership' to 'sharing' of goods and spaces," and added, "We will continue to provide careful support and make every effort to promote the practice of 'sharing' in daily life to protect the environment and resources."
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