"Career-Break Women Become Emerging Writers"... Songpa District Hosts 'Space Filled with Dreams Exhibition'

A New Challenge Through Essays and Character Creation

Songpa District in Seoul is hosting the 'Space Filled with Dreams Exhibition' at the Hosu Cultural Experiment Space, located at 256 Songpanaru-gil, until June 15.

This exhibition features works planned and produced by 26 residents who completed the essay writing and character creator courses, which are regional specialization programs offered by the Songpa Women's Career Connection Center. Most participants are residents who chose to make a new start after a career break or childcare.

The 'Space Filled with Dreams Exhibition' that began on the 10th at the Hosu Cultural Experiment Space. Seok-Suk Seo, Mayor of Songpa District, is listening to an artwork explanation from a graduate. Provided by Songpa District.

The essay course, titled 'From Today, I Am Also a Writer!', was conducted with a hands-on approach covering every step from topic selection to writing, publication planning, and book design. All 14 participants published their own books, and the published works have been listed on the Kyobo Bookstore online mall.

The 'Character Creator' course focused on practical training, covering planning, copyright, goods and emoticon production, and listing on various platforms. Out of 12 participants, 11 succeeded in listing their self-created characters and stickers on platforms such as LINE Messenger and Naver OGQ Market.

Graduate Kim Yuseon shared, "In a square classroom with a square computer, we created our books, which are the most beautiful squares of our dreams in the world," adding, "It was a time that made our dreams come true." Kim completed the essay course over the past three months and published 'Days Growing as a Mother.'

The Songpa Women's Career Connection Center has produced 665 graduates through 40 courses annually. In 2024, 221 individuals secured employment and 74 started their own businesses. More than 4,200 career counseling sessions are conducted each year.

Seo Kangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, stated, "I am deeply impressed by women who have experienced career breaks starting a new path as writers," and added, "Since administrative support is a great help in reconnecting careers interrupted by childbirth and childcare, we will continue to build a Songpa that grows together with residents who take on new challenges."