Gangnam-gu opens a European market at the Vienna World Korean Business Convention Expo. Gangnam-gu, a city where dreams come together and envisioning the future (District Mayor Cho Seong-myeong), is exploring the European market by attending the ’28th World Korean Business Expo Vienna’ held at the Vienna International Center in Austria from October 29 to October 31. went to
Hosted by the World Korean Trade Association, the largest economic organization with 7.5 million Koreans living overseas, the convention will feature more than 450 booths and about 1,500 buyers. In cooperation with the Korea International Trade Association, the district opened a Gangnam pavilion booth with 10 companies at the expo, introduced cosmetics, beauty devices, and food products, and conducted export consultations with European buyers.
Gangnam-gu Mayor Cho Seong-myeong said, “We have laid the foundation for Gangnam-gu companies to enter the European market through the Vienna Expo,” and added, “We will continue to actively support companies in developing overseas sales channels to enhance Gangnam’s status as a global economic center.”
Meanwhile, in celebration of the 3rd anniversary of the opening of the Well Aging Center, Gangnam-gu held a special lecture, ‘Secret to health for the age of 100!’ ‘Senior-tailored exercise and theory education’ will be held. It will be held twice on November 8th and 28th, and targets 300 residents over 60 years of age.
Gangnam-gu Well Aging Center opened in December 2021 to help residents over 60 years old with systematic health management in old age. At the time of its opening, it received attention as the first specialized senior health promotion center in any local government in the country, and a cumulative total of 33,000 people have participated in the program to date. To commemorate the 3rd anniversary of its opening in November of this year, we planned a course that combined theory and practice, focusing on preventing lack of exercise and musculoskeletal diseases among seniors living in the city.
The first lecture will be held on November 8th from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the performance hall on the 3rd floor of the Yeoksam 1-dong Cultural Center. Kim Byeong-gon, CEO of K Healthcare Exercise Research Institute, will give a theoretical lecture on the topic of ‘harmony between walking exercise and sleep,’ followed by a health exercise manager from the Well Aging Center providing exercises to prevent musculoskeletal diseases for the health of the back and knees.
The second lecture will be held on November 28th from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM in the auditorium on the 7th floor of the Samsung 2-dong Cultural Center. Professor Cho Jeong-hwan of the Department of Sports and Exercise Science at Seoul Women’s University will give a theoretical lecture on the topic of ‘Urban Environment and Healthy Exercise Management’, and the center’s health exercise manager will give a practical lecture on exercises to prevent musculoskeletal diseases of the neck and shoulder.
Each course targets 150 people per session. Anyone who wants to participate can apply through the QR code on the poster. It is possible to take two courses simultaneously. For further information, please contact the center.
Gangnam-gu Mayor Cho Seong-myeong said, “The Well Aging Center has been a reliable partner in helping seniors live a healthy daily life through systematic programs over the past three years.” He added, “We will continue to expand customized physical activity programs so that residents can enjoy an active and healthy life.” “He said.
Economy Queen reporter Choi Hana photo Gangnam-gu
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Yoo, Aging and Economic Development Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Yoo! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the recent developments from Gangnam-gu, particularly their participation in the Vienna World Korean Business Convention Expo. What are your initial thoughts on Gangnam-gu’s efforts to expand into the European market?
Dr. Yoo: Thank you for having me! I think it’s an exciting initiative. Gangnam-gu’s participation in the expo demonstrates a proactive approach to globalize its businesses. By opening a pavilion that showcased products from 10 local companies, they’re not just promoting their brands but also establishing Gangnam as a competitive player in the European market. This move is particularly important in today’s interconnected economy.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! The convention featured more than 450 booths and around 1,500 buyers. How do you see this kind of platform impacting local businesses and the community as a whole?
Dr. Yoo: Events like the Vienna Expo provide invaluable networking opportunities. Local businesses gain visibility and can engage in direct consultations with potential European buyers, which is crucial for understanding market demand and consumer preferences. This experience also fosters innovation since companies are more likely to adapt their offerings based on feedback from international markets.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point! Mayor Cho Seong-myeong mentioned that they are laying the foundation for Gangnam-gu companies to enter the European market. What kind of ongoing support do you think would be necessary for these companies to truly thrive internationally?
Dr. Yoo: Continuous support is essential. This includes not only financial assistance and training programs but also resources for navigating foreign regulations, tariffs, and market entry strategies. Moreover, developing a strong online presence and digital marketing strategies will be key for these companies. Government-led initiatives to create partnerships with local distributors and retailers in Europe will also help.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of initiatives, Gangnam-gu recently celebrated the third anniversary of its Well Aging Center. They are offering special lectures aimed at health for seniors. How does this tie in with the district’s overall economic strategy?
Dr. Yoo: The Well Aging Center is a brilliant integration of health and economic strategy. By focusing on senior citizens, Gangnam-gu is addressing a significant demographic trend: an aging population. This not only enhances the quality of life for seniors but also creates a market for health-related products and services. Empowering older adults through education and health management opens up a space for innovation in both healthcare and wellness sectors, which can significantly contribute to the local economy.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting to see how demographic factors play into economic planning. The upcoming lectures aim to prevent issues like lack of exercise and musculoskeletal diseases among the elderly. How crucial do you think such health initiatives are for longevity in terms of community development?
Dr. Yoo: Extremely important! Health initiatives lead to reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity among older adults who can remain active and engaged in their communities. Additionally, healthy seniors can contribute to the economy through volunteering, mentoring, and even part-time work. Fostering a culture of wellness not only benefits individuals but enriches the entire community, making it more vibrant and sustainable.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights, Dr. Yoo! It’s clear that Gangnam-gu’s efforts in both economic expansion and senior health management reflect a holistic approach to community development. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives evolve.
Dr. Yoo: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about what the future holds for Gangnam-gu and its residents.