140 parent representatives recommended by principals of elementary, middle and high schools will serve as a communication bridge between the district and schools
Gwanak-gu District Mayor Park Jun-hee held the launch ceremony for the second Hamkke Ieumdan, a parent communication network, on Monday.
Operating under the slogan "Gwanak, Connecting Education," the Hamkke Ieumdan is a parent network designed to strengthen education communication. It was first established in 2025 and is now entering its second year.
The first Hamkke Ieumdan, launched in June last year and active through February this year, played a significant role in building a local education community and expanding parent participation — running a parent academy, gathering opinions on education issues and promoting communication between schools and parents.
Members also volunteered their skills by operating experience booths at the "Gwanak Youth Festival" and the "Seoul National University SAM Mentoring Achievement Showcase." Parents' proposals were also reflected in a project supporting high school field trip expenses, showing that parent participation can translate into tangible education policy outcomes.
For the second cohort, the district sought recommendations from principals of 50 elementary, middle and high schools in the area in March, appointing 140 parent representatives as members.
The launch ceremony — the first official gathering of the district's parent representatives this year — opened with members delivering a spirited pledge in unison.
A communication session with the district mayor followed, during which participants exchanged views on education issues and support policies and shared suggestions and proposals.
A wellness program titled "Making My MBTI Perfume," led by a professional instructor, drew an enthusiastic response from attendees and gave members an opportunity to build camaraderie and strengthen bonds.
From the launch through the end of February next year, the second Hamkke Ieumdan will serve as a platform for information exchange among parents and as a communication network connecting the district and its schools, acting as a key channel to support smooth communication at the school level.
The district plans to run a "Parent Academy" for Hamkke Ieumdan members covering a variety of topics — sock-yarn crafts, Japanese confectionery workshops and floral arrangement classes — to foster closer ties among parents and provide opportunities for personal development.
"Children grow most powerfully when schools, families and communities work together," District Mayor Park said. "I hope the second Hamkke Ieumdan will lead communication and cooperation among parents and serve as a strong bridge connecting schools and the local community."
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