Gwangju Office of Education Opens Youth Space "Hangro1216"

A dedicated space where Gwangju youth can enjoy reading, creative activities, and relaxation has opened at the Gwangju Office of Education Student Education and Culture Center.

On June 15, the Gwangju Office of Education announced that it had remodeled the existing library within the Student Education and Culture Center to create "Hangro1216," a youth-only space for those aged 12 to 16.

The youth-only space "Hangro1216" within the Gwangju Office of Education Student Education and Culture Center, created by the Gwangju Office of Education. Provided by Gwangju Office of Education

"Hangro1216" is part of the Office of Education's youth space project, which aims to provide a library where young people want to stay and a space that fosters creativity. Previously, the Office of Education established "YahoZONE" at the Gwangju Central Library last year.

The newly opened "Hangro1216" is designed with five distinct areas: Exploration, Intensive Reading, Practice, Feedback, and Rest, allowing for free experiential activities.

Here, users can enjoy media such as OTT platforms, read books and webtoons, engage in cultural and artistic creative activities, participate in small group meetings and board games, and relax. The facility is open to students from fifth grade in elementary school to third grade in middle school.

During the school term, a field trip program is also offered, allowing classes to tour the space and experience its programs. In addition, there are lectures and special classes linking reading with career exploration, book curation exhibitions, and autonomous creative activities.

Superintendent Lee Jungseon stated, "We will expand the role of public libraries to provide a foundation where young people can grow freely in knowledge and culture," and added, "We will do our best to make this the optimal space for the dreams and passions of youth to flourish."