Sokcho City, Specialized Projects by Kumho-dong, Dongmyeong-dong, and Joyang-dong Community Centers Draw Attention

Kumho-dong Signs "Nara Sarang Heroes" Agreement
to Improve Quality of Life for National Heroes
Dongmyeong-dong Launches Birth Encouragement Program
and Joyang-dong Expands Unique Community Initiatives

Each community center in Sokcho City, Gangwon Province, is continuing to implement a variety of initiatives for vulnerable groups and residents this year, following last year's efforts. Among these, the specialized projects planned by the community centers of Kumho-dong, Dongmyeong-dong, and Joyang-dong are drawing attention.

Sokcho City held a business agreement ceremony for Kumho Nara Sarang Heroes on the 14th at the Sokcho City Veterans Hall. Photo by Sokcho City

The Kumho-dong Community Center, which received a positive response last year for operating the "Kumho Honor Club" program for major donors, has decided to launch the "Kumho Nara Sarang Heroes" project this year. On January 14, it signed a business agreement with relevant organizations, associations, and companies.

This project aims to express gratitude and respect to national veterans who have protected the country through their dedication and sacrifice, as well as to provide practical welfare services. Nine organizations, associations, and companies are participating, including the Residents' Autonomy Committee, the Community Social Security Council, the Veterans' Association Federation, the Gangwon Eastern Veterans Office, MG Community Credit Cooperative Central Headquarters, NH Nonghyup Bank Sokcho Branch, and POSCO E&C.

The core of this project is to improve the quality of life for national heroes residing in Kumho-dong by supporting various customized programs using the Hope Sharing Fund.

The main programs to be implemented include: ▲Heroes Dream (wish fulfillment) ▲Heroes Day (birthday celebration events) ▲Heroes Photo Studio (uniform portrait sessions) ▲Heroes Banquet (nutritious meals) ▲Heroes Home (housing environment improvement) ▲Heroes Outing (one-day cultural experience and travel programs).

This project is especially meaningful as it expands the target of welfare programs, which previously focused on basic livelihood security recipients and low-income groups, to include national veterans. By doing so, it seeks to address welfare blind spots. Public institutions, private companies, and social organizations are taking the lead in honoring national heroes, marking a new turning point for community-based welfare in the region.

The Dongmyeong-dong Community Center and the Dongmyeong-dong Community Social Security Council (co-chaired by Kim Younghye) will conduct a birth congratulatory fund program to help overcome the low birthrate crisis and promote a culture that encourages childbirth.

The program targets residents of Dongmyeong-dong in Sokcho City. When a resident visits the Dongmyeong-dong Community Center to register the birth of a child (by submitting a birth registration form), they will receive a 50,000 won paper gift certificate on the spot.

Sokcho City held a business agreement ceremony for Kumho Nara Sarang Heroes on the 14th at the Sokcho City Veterans Hall. Provided by Sokcho City

In particular, the first birth registration of 2026 will also receive a flower basket made from natural soap roses.

The Joyang-dong Community Center, which attracted attention last year by unveiling the official character "Joy-ang" (nickname Joy) symbolizing the region and its related brand story, plans to expand the "Donation Makes Joyang" campaign this year. It will also implement the Joy (Joy) Cafe Sospeso, establish the "Joseon Crew (provisional name) 100 Network" to spread the positive influence of Joyang-dong, and operate a media honor exhibition introducing organizations, institutions, and small business owners participating in donations.

Inspired by Italy's "Cafe Sospeso," an anonymous sharing movement where people pay in advance for a cup of coffee so someone in need can drink it for free, the "Joy Cafe Sospeso" in Joyang-dong is a community-based child welfare project. Merchants, institutions, and residents prepay for a meal, a book, or an experience, delivering happiness to local children.

The "Joseon Crew 100 Network" aims to create a participatory donation network centered on small contributions, building a sustainable foundation for local welfare projects. The community center plans to create and exhibit media introducing donors and participating organizations.