Gwangju City News

From the Gwangju Metropolitan City website (http://gwangju.go.kr)

Gwangju City Hall has made a final selection of two private buildings for the building-integrated solar power distribution pilot project: the Sunkwang Co. Ltd. building in the Pyeongdong Industrial Complex in Gwangsangu and the Yeonsu Bathhouse building in Daein-dong in Dong-gu. City Hall will provide subsidies of up to 100 million won per building.

The Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system pilot project is promoted by Gwangju City to realize the “2045 Energy Independent City” goal. BIPV is a method that considers the design of the building and integrates photovoltaics with the building, rather than adding solar panels to the building. It is a project that can reduce construction costs by using solar panels as exterior materials for the buildings, as well as reduce electricity costs through electricity generation.

The Sunkwang building and the Yeonsu Bathhouse building selected for the pilot project can be remodeled and installed with an 18-kilowatt solar system to beautify the exterior of the buildings and reduce electricity bills through power generation. According to the results of the Energy Policy Support Deliberation Committee, the outer walls of the two buildings face south, with good sunlight, saving about 1.5 million won each per year, compared to their present electricity production, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the work of 750 pine trees.

In the past, solar power systems were mostly installed on rooftops because the solar panels were difficult to use otherwise due to opacity, material-specific colors, and low aesthetics, but now solar panels of various sizes and types, such as for roofs, outer walls, and windows, have been developed and put into use. Next year, private business operators who plan to build new establishments or remodel existing properties may participate in a building-integrated photovoltaic contest for greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence promoted by Gwangju City Hall.

Hwang Yoon-gil, head of the city’s energy industry division, stated, “We will do our best to serve as a driving force for new and renewable energy supply projects that can be continuously promoted with the participation of many citizens.”

- Official Name: Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Private Sector Pilot Project - Project Period: Until December 2022 - Project size: Two locations in the 18-kilowatt category - Project cost: 288 million won (two building subsidies of 100 million won each, 88 million self-contribution)

The Gwangju Trauma Center announced that it has signed a business agreement for counseling support for victims of state violence with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The signing ceremony was held in Seoul in the presence of Yoon Jin-sang (윤진상), director of the Trauma Center, and Jeong Geun-sik (정근식), chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

Under the agreement, the two organizations plan to cooperate to provide psychological counseling and rehabilitation services to those who were traumatized by state violence, including applicants and witnesses who participated in the truth-finding processes.

The Gwangju Trauma Center, established in 2012, is the first established national traumahealing institution in Korea and provides psychological counseling for victims of national violence, including the May 18 Democratization Movement, and healing and rehabilitation programs to alleviate psychological and physical sequelae (after-effects).

Kim Jung-min, head of the city’s Peace Foundation Development Division, stated, “Through this agreement, it is possible to provide psychological counseling, healing, and rehabilitation services to those involved in the investigation of the truth. As the bill to establish the National Violence Trauma Healing Center has passed the plenary session, we will now work harder to push ahead with the work.”

Translated by Melline Galani.

Gwangju Dong-gu (East District) News

The Dong-gu district is supporting small local bookstores by operating a stamp tour, called the “Dong-gu Bookstore Tour,” to introduce local bookstores, book cafes, and book culture spaces (20 locations in total) in order to revitalize local bookstores.

The Dong-gu Bookstore Tour map is divided into three recommended courses: the Asia Culture Center and Chungjang-ro area, the Jisan-dong and Dongmyeongdong area, and the Gyerim-dong second-hand bookstore street. The tour aims to provide information on local book cafes, book culture spaces, and operating hours, as well as stamp maps for citizens to freely enjoy the experience.

Tour Period: November–December 2021

Course 1: Asia Cultural Center and Chungjang-ro area Course 2: Jisan-dong and Dongmyeong-dong Bookstore Street Course 3: Old Bookstore Street in Gyerim-dong Participation Benefits: Those who get five stamps on a book map distributed at participating locations for the Dong-gu Bookstore Tour (19 locations), will receive souvenirs, which will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis (i.e., up to 300 people by the end of December). Inquiries: Dong-gu Humanities Urban Policy Division (062) 608-2173