Yangsan City Family Center and Dongwon Institute of Science and Technology Hold 3rd Family Together Forum

The 3rd Family Together Forum, co-hosted by the Yangsan City Family Center and Dongwon Institute of Science and Technology, was successfully held at the Yangsan Ssangbyeokru Art Hall on July 9, 2025.

Yangsan City Family Center and Dongwon Institute of Science and Technology 3rd Family Together Forum. Provided by Yangsan City

This forum, under the theme "The Reality of Isolation, the Era of Connection - Future Strategies for Isolation and Connection with the Local Community," provided an opportunity to examine the issue of social isolation among various age groups and social classes from multiple perspectives, and to discuss the roles and directions for cooperation of the local community in addressing these issues.

The forum was chaired by Jang Inseong, President of Dongwon Institute of Science and Technology. Sung Eun Yoon, President of the Korea Family Center Association (and Director of the Guri City Family Center), served as the keynote speaker, presenting on the topic "Facing Isolation, the Clues to Connection." Yoon addressed the definition of social isolation, possible responses, and the potential for family center intervention.

With over 170 participants in attendance, Hyejin Seo, Team Leader at Sinabro Welfare Center, and Hyunsu An, an activist at the Yangsan City Youth Center, shared candid accounts of the realities of social isolation and the role of the local community, as well as the process of isolation and recovery, from the perspectives of both institutional workers and citizens. The forum confirmed the high level of community interest in the issue of isolation.

Kyungja Cho, Deputy Director of the Yangsan City Family Center, commented, "This was a meaningful event that brought the social issue of isolation into public discussion and attempted an integrated approach that transcends generations and sectors."

Jang Inseong, President of Dongwon Institute of Science and Technology, stated, "We will actively share the school's human and material resources with the local community, seek various collaborative models such as operating programs for retirees and elderly people living alone by utilizing idle spaces, and linking to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Building on this forum, the Yangsan City Family Center and Dongwon Institute of Science and Technology plan to further strengthen the establishment of an integrated support system and policy linkages for the prevention of isolation and recovery."