Residents invited to create original songs capturing the district's vision, six strategic goals and landmarks — submissions accepted Friday through Sept. 16
▷ Integrated lyrics-and-composition ▷ Lyrics ▷ Composition — three categories; final winners announced Oct. 2 after two rounds of judging and a public vote
Dongjak-gu is holding a "Dongjak Song Contest" to find an official district anthem that residents can easily connect with and enjoy together.
The contest aims to uncover songs that capture the identity and appeal of Dongjak-gu, drawing on the district's key policies, local history, natural features and landmarks under the current administration.
Entries are accepted in three categories: integrated lyrics-and-composition, lyrics only, and composition only.
Submissions may take any creative approach, as long as they are inspired by the district's vision — "Brighten Dongjak, Energize Its Residents" — its six strategic goals, or the district's points of pride.
The six strategic goals are rapid urban renewal, AI administrative innovation, creation of popular gathering spots, building a convenient and safe city, a sustainable future, and realizing resident sovereignty. Works may also draw on major Dongjak-gu landmarks and stories, including the Han River and Yongyangbongjeojeong.
Integrated entries must include both lyrics and an audio file — covering lyrics and melody — within one minute and 30 seconds. Lyrics-only entries require a lyrics file, and composition-only entries require an audio file. Audio files may be submitted in MP3, MP4 or WAV format; lyrics files in hangul (HWP) or PDF format.
Dongjak-gu residents, employees of businesses in the district, students and anyone else wishing to participate may check the contest notice posted on the Dongjak-gu district office website from Friday through Sept. 16, then submit their entry and required documents either by email to the designated contact or in person at the Public Relations Office on the seventh floor of the district office.
Entries will be evaluated across two rounds of judging on five criteria: suitability, popular appeal, completeness, promotional value and creativity.
The first round will be judged by district office officials and outside jurors. The second round will determine the final winners through a vote weighted 60 percent toward residents and 40 percent toward district employees — ensuring the official Dongjak song is both created and chosen by the community.
Winners will be announced Oct. 2 on the Dongjak-gu district office website, and each winner will also be notified individually by phone.
Prizes by category are as follows: in the integrated lyrics-and-composition category, a grand prize of 500,000 won ($363) for one winner and a merit prize of 200,000 won for one winner; in the lyrics category, a grand prize of 200,000 won and a merit prize of 100,000 won; and in the composition category, a grand prize of 200,000 won and a merit prize of 100,000 won. Twenty participants will also receive coffee vouchers worth 10,000 won each.
The winning Dongjak song is expected to be used as background music at district-organized events and festivals, in building announcements, at daycare center dance competitions and in other settings, establishing it as a signature cultural asset shared by all residents.
"A song has the power to make people remember a place in the most familiar way," Dongjak-gu District Mayor Ryu Sam-young said. "I hope many people will take part in the contest and create a wonderful song that captures Dongjak-gu's policies, history and landmarks — and I look forward to the day when residents can sing and enjoy the finished Dongjak song together, anytime and anywhere."
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