Suwon City Opens Youth Free Space 'Kkummaru' at Barunsaem Children's Library

Suwon Special City (Mayor Lee Jae-jun) opened a youth free space called 'Kkummaru' on the third floor of Barunsaem Children's Library in Yeongdeungpo-gu on the 10th.

Kkummaru is a space designed for youth to visit anytime, rest comfortably, and spend time with friends. Yeongdeungpo-gu has the largest youth population among Suwon's four districts, but lacked sufficient free spaces for young people.

The 330㎡ (approximately 100 pyeong) Kkummaru features a lounge zone for conversation and relaxation, an active zone with karaoke rooms and board games, and a study zone for reading and learning. There is also a tiered bookcase with approximately 1,500 books.

Suwon's first EBS (Korean Educational Broadcasting System) Self-Directed Learning Center has also been established. At the learning space with 20 seats and the coordinator counseling room, users can access EBS learning content and receive academic and career guidance.

Youth and parents participated in the space's planning. In April, Suwon established a planning committee to gather opinions on the space and operations, and reflected nine suggestions. The name 'Kkummaru' was also decided through a citizen participation platform contest called 'Saebit Talk Talk' conducted with the planning committee.

Kkummaru is operated by the Suwon Youth Foundation. A youth autonomous committee has been formed so that young people participate in facility monitoring and operations. Programs linking with parent support groups are also planned.

At the opening ceremony, Kim Hyun-su, First Vice Mayor of Suwon City, said, "I hope Kkummaru becomes a space where youth can rest without burden, spend time together, and prepare for learning and careers when needed," adding, "We will continue to expand residential spaces that reflect young people's opinions."