The Gangnam-gu Council joined the "2026 Yangjae Stream Picnic Blanket Volunteer Festival" held Saturday morning beneath the Yeongdong 3rd Bridge along Yangjae Stream, taking part in hands-on activities and community sharing to reflect on the meaning of everyday volunteerism.
Held under the theme "Gangnam Strong, Volunteering Fun," the event brought together some 3,300 participants and residents alongside distinguished guests including National Assembly Member Park Su-min, Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyeon-gi and Seoul Metropolitan Council Member Yu Man-hui, as well as organizations such as the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, Posco and Caffeine Addiction Co.
Twenty-six sharing and activity booths were set up at the venue, offering programs that let residents practice carbon neutrality, healthy living and environmental protection in their daily lives. Activities included sharing keycaps and keyrings made from donated bottle caps, making scrunchies from recycled fabric, grilling sausages with a solar cooker, trying Nordic walking for health, receiving flower pots, and plogging — picking up litter while walking — along Yangjae Stream.
Alongside this, a community-run flea market called "Beautiful Market" featured 20 teams selling secondhand goods, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Gangnam Welfare Foundation to carry forward the spirit of giving.
The event was attended by Administrative Safety Committee Chair Lee In-seon, Economic and Urban Committee Chair Song Yeong-gwang, and council members Bok Jin-gyeong, Lee Dong-ho, Lee Sang-ae, Park Dae-yong, Kim Yun-hui, Yeom Hui-ok, Hwang Tae-hyeon, Lee Jong-won (District Ma constituency) and No Mi-jin, who encouraged organizers and volunteers and joined the activity programs to reflect on the value of service and sharing.
In her congratulatory remarks, Administrative Safety Committee Chair Lee In-seon thanked organizers and volunteers who "dedicate themselves behind the scenes." She said the festival — held that day — went "beyond the concept of volunteering to offer joy and vitality to all residents," echoing the event poster's line: "Can volunteering really be this fun?" She added that the Gangnam-gu Council "will continue to spare no institutional support and encouragement so that a vibrant culture of volunteering can take firm root in the daily lives of our residents."
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