Gwangju Seo-gu Launches "Apartment School," Running Until September 4

Leading the Way in Revitalizing Apartment Communities

On August 14, Seo-gu District of Gwangju held the opening ceremony for the "World's Largest University Village Autonomy (Professional) Department Apartment School" at the Creative Nongseonggol Community Center, officially launching its program operations.

According to Seo-gu officials, this Apartment School was established with the goal of fostering a culture of communication and cooperation by enabling residents to learn and grow together within their shared apartment living spaces.

Kim Igang, mayor of Seo-gu, Gwangju, is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the opening ceremony of the world's largest university, the "3rd Village Autonomy Professional Department Apartment School," held on the 14th at the Seo-gu Creative Nongseonggol Community Center. Provided by Seo-gu, Gwangju

Approximately 40 people attended the opening ceremony, including Kim Igang, mayor of Seo-gu, apartment residents, building managers, and community activists. The Apartment School will run until September 4 and is designed to allow participation from all age groups.

The main programs include: "Apartment Democracy" by Nam Kiyup, Director of the Land+Liberty Research Institute; "Understanding Village Autonomy and Apartment Communities" by Kwon Myunghee, Professor of Housing Environment at Ulsan University; a presentation of best practices by Song Misuk, head of the Lami Community in Eunpyeong-gu; "Imagining the Future of Our Apartment" by Kim Seungsoo, Director of Ttoktok Library; and "Small Changes Made by Our Own Hands" by Park Unjeong, Chairman of the Democracy Technology School.

Jung Eechun, Director of the Village Community Support Center, stated, "We will strive to cultivate a garden culture within Seo-gu's apartment communities, where people can flourish, in order to build a kinder Seo-gu."

Kim Igang, mayor of Seo-gu, said, "The Apartment School is more than just an educational program; it is a process of building a community foundation where neighbors can share warmth and grow together. We will continue to provide unwavering support for the happiness of our residents."

Meanwhile, Seo-gu also plans to promote the "Smile and Greet (Mi-In-Seogu)" campaign, which encourages neighbors to make eye contact and greet each other, as well as the "WAVE Campaign," a citizen initiative for climate crisis and disaster response, to help create sustainable apartment communities.