Ulsan education welfare workers recharge with woodworking workshop

Thirty members of the Ulsan Gangbuk Education Support Office's education welfare team, who provide one-on-one counseling and care for students from vulnerable backgrounds, visited a carpentry studio in Buk-gu, Ulsan, on Saturday to recharge emotionally.

The participants took part in a capacity-building program organized by the Ulsan Gangbuk Education Support Office under the theme "Take a Break, Heart!" — using hand tools such as chisels, planes and rubber mallets, as well as cutting machines and power drills to build wooden shelves and find renewed energy.

Working through the process of shaping and assembling timber to craft a wooden shelf gave participants a chance to set aside the stress of daily life and focus on themselves. Building something together also brought an added bonus: team members bonded and strengthened their connections with one another.

"While working for students, I rarely had time to look back at myself," one participant said. "It was great to reflect on myself through this hands-on activity and to connect with colleagues who do the same work."

Han Seong-gi, superintendent of the Ulsan Gangbuk Education Support Office, said the office would develop more enriching programs to help team members continue providing warm support to students.