When conversation breaks down with a defiant middle schooler or a headstrong high schooler, a shared activity that parents and children can genuinely enjoy together might be just the thing to bring laughter back into the home.
Donghae, a city in Gangwon Province that gained national attention for its sunrise yoga program, has turned to yoga as a way to strengthen bonds between family members and friends.
The vehicle is a partner yoga program called "Yogarowun Woori Sai" (roughly, "Our Harmonious Bond Through Yoga"), designed around communication and connection.
The Donghae Youth Culture Center, operating under the goal of nurturing "youth who play and dream," runs 26 programs across eight categories this year — covering certification, activities, career exploration and civic participation. So far, 3,733 young people and family members have taken part, drawing strong interest.
The new program pairs two participants — friends, siblings or a parent and child — who learn a range of yoga poses together, matching their breathing and movements. It aims to build healthy relationships through mutual consideration and cooperation.
Sessions are held on weekday evenings, giving participants a chance to shed the day's fatigue and stress while tending to their physical and mental well-being at a relaxed pace.
Cheon Su-jeong, head of the city's sports and physical education division, said she hoped participants would use the program to spend meaningful time understanding and caring for each other. "We will continue to develop a wide range of hands-on programs that youth and families can enjoy together, and keep working to foster a culture of healthy activity," she added.
The program runs from Wednesday, Aug. 12, with sessions held twice a week — on Wednesdays and Fridays — for a total of 12 sessions.
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