Suwon Opens Youth Leisure Space 'Kkumaroo' at Bareun Saem Children's Library

Suwon Special City (Mayor Lee Jae-jun) opened 'Kkumaroo,' a youth leisure space on the third floor of the Bareun Saem Children's Library in Yeongdeungpo-gu, on the 10th.

Kkumaroo is a space designed for young people to visit anytime, relax comfortably, and socialize with friends. While Yeongdeungpo-gu has the largest youth population among Suwon's four districts, it has lacked free spaces for young people.

The 330-square-meter (approximately 3,550-square-foot) Kkumaroo features a lounge zone for conversation and rest, an active zone where visitors can use karaoke rooms and play board games, and a study zone for reading and learning. The facility also includes tiered bookshelves with approximately 1,500 books.

A Korean Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) Self-Directed Learning Center has also been established for the first time in Suwon City. In the 20-seat learning space and at the coordinator counseling room, users can access EBS learning content and receive academic and career guidance.

Young people and parents participated in the space's planning. Suwon City organized a collaborative planning body in April to gather opinions on the space and operations, reflecting nine suggestions. The name 'Kkumaroo' was also determined through a public participation platform called 'Saebbit Tok Tok' organized with the collaborative planning body.

Kkumaroo will be operated by the Suwon Youth and Young Adults Foundation. The facility will form a youth autonomous committee through which young people participate in facility monitoring and operational improvement suggestions. The city also plans to implement programs in partnership with the parent support group.

At the opening ceremony, Kim Hyun-soo, First Vice Mayor of Suwon City, said, "I hope Kkumaroo becomes a space where young people can relax without burden, socialize, and prepare for learning and career development when needed," and added, "We will continue to expand residential community spaces that reflect young people's opinions."

천의현 대표이사 euihyun@suwonilbo.kr