Ceremony held Thursday at Baebongsan Neighborhood Park; 12 individuals and 2 organizations recognized across 7 categories; residents enjoy folk games, singing contest and eco-friendly activities
Dongdaemun-gu in Seoul successfully wrapped up the 35th Dongdaemun Citizen's Day ceremony Thursday at the open plaza of Baebongsan Neighborhood Park.
The event was organized to foster community unity and civic pride while reaffirming the district's commitment to moving forward. District Mayor Choi Dong-min was joined by distinguished guests and residents from all walks of life.
The ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. with introductions of guests, congratulatory video messages from the heads of sister cities and the district's honorary ambassador, and interviews with award recipients who shared their activities and reflections on serving the community.
The district presented its citizen awards to residents and organizations that have contributed to Dongdaemun-gu's development through dedication and volunteer service.
Awards were given across seven categories — the Proud Citizen Award, Parent Award, Filial Piety Award, Volunteer Service Award, Model Youth Award, Disability Award and Multicultural Family Award — with a grand prize and gold prize selected in each, honoring a total of 14 individuals and organizations.
In the Proud Citizen category, Kim Min-gi received the grand prize and Hwang Gi-heum the gold prize. Han Seung-ja took the grand prize in the Parent Award category and Im Hyo-sim the gold prize, while Ju Gyeong-suk won the grand prize in the Filial Piety Award category and Kim Dong-uk the gold prize.
In the Volunteer Service Award category, the social cooperative Hyeminso took the grand prize and the Artmi Beauty Volunteer Corps the gold prize. Choi Yeon-u received the grand prize in the Model Youth Award category and Jo Eun-seo the gold prize. In the Disability Award category, Kim Tae-jin won the grand prize and Yu Sang-hui the gold prize, while Suzuki Aya took the grand prize in the Multicultural Family Award category and Ma Ying-fan the gold prize.
The recipients were recognized for contributions across a wide range of fields, including the preservation of local culture, expanded community participation, care for neighbors and acts of filial piety, youth volunteer work, promotion of the rights and recreational activities of people with disabilities, and support for multicultural families settling into the community.
Following the awards presentation, District Mayor Choi delivered a commemorative address, after which congratulatory speeches were given by a National Assembly lawmaker, the head of the district council, party committee chairs and the heads of sister cities. "I will work together with all residents to build a Dongdaemun-gu that rises ever higher," Choi said. "I will prove myself through tangible results as a district mayor who gets things done, and I will firmly open a brilliant future for Dongdaemun-gu."
The district's women's choir then performed two celebratory songs, adding warmth to the ceremony.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with a Chuseok folk festival organized by the Dongdaemun Cultural Center, making for a lively and varied program. At a traditional games area set up on the grounds, residents of all ages shared in the joy of Korean folk culture, while a community singing contest gave neighbors a chance to show off their talents and strengthen community bonds.
Meanwhile, an eco-friendly experience booth operated at the venue under the theme "Make, Reduce and Reuse — a Green Chuseok," jointly organized by Dongdaemun-gu and the Dongdaemun-gu Housewives' Environmental Association. Residents could take part in hands-on programs including making eco-friendly soap, crafting with discarded sock yarn and making natural insect repellent.
Through the activities, the district promoted the use of eco-friendly products, reducing household chemical use, cutting waste and recycling resources. The district also introduced its eco-mileage program and publicized green lifestyle practices for the Chuseok holiday, encouraging residents to use reusable shopping bags, bring their own containers and reduce food waste.
"This event was a moment for all residents to come together as one — honoring the contributions of those who have devoted themselves to the community and sharing the value of traditional culture and the environment," a district official said. "We will continue to create spaces for communication and harmony where residents are the true protagonists."
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