Experience as a local connector creating value by connecting local resources in Gwangju

This project will be conducted for foreign participants.

In Gwangju, we connect local resources to create value as a local connector. This is a work experience program.

At a social enterprise in Gwangju, we will discuss and negotiate various local problems with experts, organizations, and institutions.

We will analyze local resources to find ways to solve community issues by connecting people and institutions, and we will experience working together.

Through connection, we share problems and come up with actions to solve them. Experience the change in your community that you can create yourself.

From discovering problems to finding solutions! Learning and growing through connections.

■Monthly schedule (10/10/10 process)

First 10 days 'Understanding the Problem': We will investigate social issues in Gwangju and Jeonnam, and organize the necessary resources.

Next 10 days 'Finding Solutions': We will establish measures and criteria, and share our findings with key organizations and experts in the area.

Final 10 days 'Connecting': We will discuss the shared problems in meetings and forums, and work with institutions and experts to gradually establish solutions.

*The above schedule is an example,and can change based on personal preferences, abilities, and schedules.

■During the month, you will meet various organizations and experts in the local area.

Below is an example of a daily schedule during the process.

*This is an example to help participants understand, and it will operate flexibly based on the project and local situation.

-First 10 days 'Understanding the Problem'

09:00 – 12:00: Investigate and organize local issues.

12:00 – 13:00: Lunch break.

13:00 – 18:00: Visit related areas and hold field meetings.

-Next 10 days 'Finding Solutions'

09:00 – 12:00: Research materials based on solution ideas.

12:00 – 13:00: Lunch break.

13:00 – 18:00: Create materials to share and plans for meetings.

-Final 10 days 'Connecting'

09:00 – 12:00: Prepare for meetings and forums.

12:00 – 13:00: Lunch break.

13:00 – 18:00: Review schedule and summarize solutions after meetings.

■Participation Conditions (for foreign participants)

You must work with organizations and experts in the Gwangju and Jeonnam area.

Only those who can commit more than 8 hours a day for over 30 days can participate.

You must also derive actions and schedules for solutions after meetings.

■Additional Information

*Since this program requires a lot of daily time investment, we prioritize selecting dedicated and consistent individuals.

*If you face difficulties during the process, please ask for help and local social experts and staff will actively assist participants.

Detailed support items

Excluded items

Other local stay costs like overnight stays, meals, and transportation costs.

The organization in charge of this program is one of the main social enterprises in Gwangju, active since 2015.

This space started to listen to and support young people's thoughts about their careers and lives, with the motto, ‘We support every new beginning in the world.’

It creates various local projects and motivates people.

Some of the main activities include creating a community for local youth using rental apartments and making a mobile studio for seniors who have trouble moving around.

Currently, it is expanding its activities beyond Gwangju to the wider Jeonnam region.

This organization brings together people with experience in various fields.

It builds cooperative relationships with experts, institutions, and organizations, including developers, planners, artists, and policy agencies in the region.

Based on this, participants can creatively and effectively solve local issues they are interested in.

“If you want to create new value using various resources from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions, dare to take on the challenge.

Experts with many experiences and resources will support and cheer for your growth.”

Location: Gwangju, Jeollanam-do

1. Songjeong Station Market, 1913

This market is located across from KTX Gwangju Songjeong Station and was previously called the daily market.

Now, after its renovation, each shop has pretty signs and impressive interiors, so make sure to check out the unique stores.

Especially in the evening, it transforms into a beautiful night market filled with delicious food, so don't miss visiting Songjeong Station Market at night.

2. Mudeungsan

This is the representative mountain of Gwangju and was designated as the 21st national park in Korea.

With its highest peak, Cheonwangbong, standing at 1187m, it features stunning views of various rocks.

The Dansan Tree Course is the most popular hiking trail and is a 4km route that's not too difficult.

It takes about 3 hours for a round trip, so keep that in mind before you visit.

3. Gwangju Municipal Art Museum

This is the main art museum in Gwangju, opened in 1992, and played a big role in starting the Gwangju Biennale in 1995.

It has 6 exhibition halls, a children's art museum, a cultural center, a library, and a seminar room.

Parking and admission are free, so if you like exhibitions, be sure to visit.

4. Gwangjuho Lake Eco Park

Located at the border of Gwangju and Damyang County, this eco park is a place where you can feel a sense of calm.

With ecological ponds, wetland preservation areas, and lakes, there are many sights to see including observation decks and long rows of metasequoia trees.

You can take pictures and enjoy a relaxing feeling, so visit and experience it.

5. 518 Freedom Park

This was the location of the military court and detention facilities of the Sangmudae in 1980.

During the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980, there were people who resisted the harsh suppression by certain political soldiers trying to seize power.

The military court and detention facilities have been moved and restored about 100 meters from their original location.

If you're curious about the historical facts of the May 18 Democratization Movement, be sure to visit this place.