"District Office Becomes a Park"... Gwangsan District in Gwangju Opens Citizen Plaza

The Gwangsan District Office building in Gwangju has been reborn as an open space for citizens after 28 years. The Citizen Plaza, created by renovating the front yard of the district office, has opened its doors and returned to the community.

On the 22nd, the opening ceremony of Gwangsan District Office Citizen Plaza, transformed into an open space where any citizen can enjoy culture and relaxation, was held. Photo by Gwangsan District Office

According to the district office on the 23rd, a cultural event celebrating the opening of the "Gwangsan District Office Citizen Plaza" was held the previous day. This project was promoted with the aim of "returning the district office to the citizens," and a special task force composed of various departments gathered citizens' opinions to design the space.

Previously, the integrated lounge on the first floor of the district office, called "Everyone's Rest Area," opened first. On this day, the outdoor plaza in front of the district office was transformed into a lawn plaza and deck rest area, and was released to the public.

The opening event began with a drum performance, followed by performances from the percussion group "Eolssu" and the band "Mood List." Citizens in attendance welcomed the transformation, saying, "It feels like we've come to an open park, not a district office," and "The comfortable and pleasant atmosphere will make me want to visit often."

Going forward, the district office plans to operate the Citizen Plaza as a green urban rest area, hosting cultural and artistic performances as well as events involving citizens and small business owners. The first-floor "Everyone's Rest Area" will also be used as a multi-purpose cultural space for civil consultation, meetings, exhibitions, and small-scale performances.

District Mayor Park Byungkyu stated, "The first-floor 'Everyone's Rest Area' and the 'Citizen Plaza' we have returned to the public today are a declaration to fully open the doors to transparent administration. Together with citizens, we will create a space for relaxation, communication, culture, and a site where democracy thrives."