Seo-gu, Gwangju Opens Youth Free Space "Dagachi Jeulgyeopdang"

Youth-Exclusive Shelter
Full-Scale Operation Begins in January

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is creating a free space called "Dagachi Jeulgyeopdang (堂)" where teenagers can relax and communicate freely, and will start full-scale operation from January next year. Photo by Seo-gu Office, Gwangju

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, announced that it has created a free space called "Dagachi Jeulgyeopdang (堂)" where teenagers can relax and communicate freely, and will begin full-scale operation from January next year.

"Dagachi Jeulgyeopdang (堂)" is the only youth-exclusive space in Seo-gu, located on the third floor of an apartment management building in Pungam-dong (70 Pungam Sunhwan-ro). It was established to guarantee the rights to play, rest, and freedom, allowing teenagers to escape from their study- and competition-centered daily lives. The apartment provided a 216-square-meter space free of charge, and Gwangju City and Seo-gu allocated budgets for its recent remodeling.

The interior is a complex free space reflecting the diverse tastes and needs of teenagers. It is equipped with facilities for play, culture, and relaxation, including a VR experience zone, a PC zone where users can enjoy games such as Nintendo and PlayStation, a photo booth, karaoke, a book cafe, and a lounge.

In addition, teenagers will take the lead in operating the space, and youth participation programs and cultural activities will be gradually expanded.

The space is open to teenagers aged 9 to 18, who can use it freely without any fees. Operating hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.

Seo-gu Mayor Kim Ikang said, "I hope this free space for teenagers will become more than just a facility, serving as a shelter and a gathering place where teenagers can take a break from competition, reflect on themselves, and naturally interact with their peers."