"I hope this program gave our volunteers a chance to set aside the hard work of everyday life and recharge," said Jeon Sung-soo, district mayor of Seocho-gu, Seoul.
Jeon made the remarks after the district organized an Audeum museum tour on Tuesday and Wednesday for outstanding volunteers who have consistently dedicated themselves to the local community.
Audeum, an audio-focused museum that opened in Naegok-dong, Seocho-gu in June 2024, was designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The cultural space houses a collection of audio equipment spanning different eras, including Western Electric vintage audio systems, gramophones and music boxes.
The tour was organized to recognize the contributions of dedicated volunteers and offer them a chance to recharge through culture and the arts. It carried added significance as the first joint project between the Seocho Volunteer Center and Audeum, held as part of the center's volunteer appreciation program known as "Happiness Plan."
One hundred outstanding volunteers — including past winners of the Seocho V Festival, an annual event celebrating volunteer achievements — were eligible to participate. The group was divided into four sessions of 25 people each, held in the morning and afternoon over the two days. Participants explored the history of audio and sound equipment with the guidance of professional docents, deepening their understanding of acoustics.
The Seocho Volunteer Center runs a range of annual appreciation programs for roughly 1,000 volunteers, including cultural performance ticket giveaways, external commendation nominations and education support. The center plans to continue expanding programs that volunteers can meaningfully experience in their daily lives. Those seeking more information may contact the Seocho Volunteer Center directly.
"I am deeply grateful to all the volunteers who consistently practice sharing and service for our community," Jeon said. "I hope this program gave them a moment to step back from the demands of daily life and find renewal through culture and the arts."
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