Nowon-gu seeks candidates for 2026 district civic awards and Hall of Fame induction

Nowon-gu in Seoul announced it is accepting nominations for its 2026 Civic Award to recognize residents and organizations that have dedicated themselves to the development of the local community.

Established in 1992, the Nowon-gu Civic Award is a prestigious commendation that honors residents who have served as role models and contributed to making Nowon a better place to live, while also publicizing their achievements to inspire others.

A total of nine recipients — one per category — will be selected across nine award categories: the Parent Award, Filial Piety Award, Volunteer Award, Youth Award, Education Development Award, Environment Award, Welfare Award, Culture and Sports Award, and Economic Promotion Award.

Eligible nominees must have lived in Nowon-gu for at least three years as of October this year, or must belong to an organization — including businesses — that has been based in the district for at least three years. Exceptions may be made for individuals with exceptional contributions. However, past Civic Award recipients and anyone who has received a commendation from the central government or the Seoul Metropolitan Government for similar achievements within the past two years are not eligible.

Winners will receive a trophy and be inducted into the Nowon-gu Hall of Fame, located inside the Nowon Citizens' Hall. The district established the Hall of Fame during a 2022 renovation of the facility to honor past Civic Award recipients. In addition to a dedicated wall display, a kiosk broadcasts the names and fields of activity of all honorees.

Last year's recipients included Kim Gwang-ja, chairperson of the Wolseong Senior Center operated by the district. Kim received the Parent Award for spearheading the creation of Nowon-gu's first smart senior center, contributing to the digital empowerment of elderly residents and the revitalization of their leisure activities. In Ara, a youth council member at the Nowon District Youth Culture and Information Center, received the Youth Award for leading a youth forum on local issues, raising awareness of and attention to young people and helping foster a youth-friendly environment. Lee Beom-ja of the Nowon Carbon Neutrality Citizens' Council, a long-time environmental activist, received the Environment Award for leading a carbon neutrality action team and helping spread resident education and everyday carbon neutrality practices, expanding public participation and promoting a culture of carbon neutrality.

Those wishing to nominate a resident or organization that has consistently served the community may submit a nomination form and a record of achievements to the district office's autonomous administration division or to the community center in the nominee's residential jurisdiction. Nominations may also be submitted by relevant institutions, organizations or school principals in each category, and joint nominations by 10 or more residents are also accepted.

The district will accept nominations through Nov. 6, after which candidates will undergo a public verification process and a review by an awards screening committee before the ceremony is held on Dec. 11.

District Mayor Seo Jun-o said the district is deeply grateful to the residents and organizations that have devoted themselves to making Nowon a better place, and that it intends to honor them accordingly. "We hope this will be an opportunity to discover hidden heroes who have gone unrecognized and to spread their positive influence," he said.