Seodaemun-gu Asks Residents for "Ideas for Hongjecheon Stream's Future"

Accepting proposals on ecological restoration, AI and more from Nov. 3 to 23

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, headed by District Mayor Park Woonki, is seeking residents' ideas on how to make use of Hongjecheon Stream. The district announced on Nov. 1 that it will hold the inaugural Hongjecheon Imagination Plus Contest with the Hongjecheon Ecological Stream Governance Council and accept submissions from Nov. 3 to 23.

Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

The contest grew out of a proposal from the governance council, which was launched on Oct. 8. The council is a partnership formed by the district and environmental groups to enhance the ecological value of Hongjecheon Stream. Rather than simply soliciting feedback on projects decided by the administration, the district has broadened opportunities for residents to participate and envision the stream's future themselves.

The contest has four categories: ecology and the environment, energy, AI and smart technology, and attractions. In the ecology and environment category, submissions may cover creating habitats for fish and aquatic plants, reducing stream pollution and litter, and developing ecological observation and environmental education programs for residents. The energy category is open to ideas for incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower into stream facilities, including using solar power to operate environmental monitoring equipment.

In the AI and smart technology category, the district is seeking ideas for analyzing changes in water quality using artificial intelligence and data, classifying records of stream wildlife observations, and improving facility inspections. The attractions category covers rest and cultural spaces, nighttime scenery that takes the ecological environment into account, and improvements to the appearance of areas beneath the Naebu Expressway. Submissions may also combine multiple fields, such as applying AI to ecological observation.

Residents of Seodaemun-gu and environmental organizations and institutions located in the district are eligible to enter. Students enrolled at schools in the district and employees at workplaces there may also participate regardless of where they live. Proposals must specify the space or facility, or the program, to which the idea would apply, as well as how it would be used.

The district will assess feasibility, sustainability, expected impact, creativity, and other factors, and select six winners in December. The total prize pool is 1.4 million won, with 500,000 won awarded to the top prize winner. The number and level of awards may vary depending on the number and quality of submissions. The district will review outstanding proposals with the relevant departments to determine whether they can be incorporated into policies or projects.

“Hongjecheon should be a space where residents and nature live together, not merely a facility managed by the administration,” District Mayor Park Woonki said. “I hope residents will bring together their diverse ideas through this contest, launched jointly by the public and private sectors, and that those ideas will lead to real changes at Hongjecheon.”

Submissions will be accepted until 6 p.m. on Nov. 23. For details, visit the district office website or contact the Climate and Environment Division at 02-330-1480.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.