June 2013 News Round-Up
Gwangju to open more childcare facilities
The City continues to make strides for families, with Mayor Kang Un-tae’s help. In an effort to expand childcare, Mayor Kang announced Gwangju’s opening of six “superb” private and public childcare facilities that opened in June. Since 2011, the city has operated 24 public childcare centers to provide “quality childcare management.” Gwangju officials hope that the new locations will further demonstrate to citizens the commitment to parents and instill a trustworthy relationship with its citizens. The six new centers are located in and called: Dong-gu Dasoam, Seo-gu Gumho Yeaueon, Bansak, Buk-gu Kids Asiana, Gwangsan-gu Jeoungdaueon and Jiueon.
Archery team for the disabled, founded
A ceremony commemorating the foundation of Gwangju’s archery team for the disabled was held at the Kim Daejung Convention Center on May22. Archery champion Kim Ransook — famously known as “mother archer” — read a thank-you letter to the foundation. She said, “The archery was the only hope and support in my case.” Mayor Kang was also in attendance and commented, “The role of sports is important to give the disabled a dream and hope.” The archery team is going to start preparations for competitions and hopes to win many championships.
Gwangju selected as “the Best Family Experience Spot in Korea”
The Korea Tourism Service nominated Gwangju as the best trip spot on business for 2013. This selection was a result from citizen votes and from photographers and travel experts’ evaluations. Gwangju received high marks, thanks in part to Mudeung Mountain and Korean Table d’hôte, with the 7080 Chungjang Festival sealing Gwangju’s bid. Being known as one of the most famous festivals in Korea, its theme “Beautiful People’s City” finalized Gwangju’s nomination for the award. Korea Tourism plans to blanket the entire country with advertising through social media and short message services to members in an effort to boost visitor numbers to Gwangju.
City to open 16 bus lines for Mudeung Mountain’s second opening
Gwangju will operate more bus lines en route to Mudeung National Mountain to offer more convenience for visitors to the famed park. At the time of writing, bus 1187 is the best way to access Mudeung via public transport, but the City plans to increase traffic. Because Mudeung’s main bus stop is narrow, buses will instead stop at a nearby and larger parking lot to accommodate for the increased traffic.
A city official said, “This second opening is expected to be more popular than the first opening, which was not popular due to poor weather. Many people from the country will visit Mudeung Mountain National Park; so, bus lines will have to run there more frequently. We hope that people use public transportation instead of using cars.” Anybody can participate in the opening of Mudeung Mountain National Park. Since the park’s peak is controlled by the military, visitors will be asked to offer identification before entering.