Visiting “Maeum Maru,” a Healing Space for Single-Person Households
Hello! I’m Park Eunsoo, a supporter of the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum.
Today, I’d like to introduce the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center in relation to
the City of Seoul’s design policy.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been making various efforts through public design
to improve citizens’ quality of life and strengthen the identity of local communities.
The Dongdaemun-gu Family Center is one of the key facilities operated as part of this policy.
Through public design, Seoul not only improves the city’s aesthetics
but also implements policies that consider safety and convenience for its citizens.
Designs for pedestrian-only roads, parks, and public facilities reflect the opinions of citizens
and are closely connected to everyday life.
Maeum Maru, located in the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center (2nd Branch), is one such example.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddmhfc/
Location: 2F, Dongdaemun-gu Residents Happiness Center, 89 Muhak-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Lunch break 12:00–1:00 PM), Closed on Sundays
Phone: 02-957-0761
Bus (Stop: In front of Dong-A Pharmaceutical): 147, 202, 241, 1017
Subway: Sinseol-dong Station (~500m), Sangwangsimni Station (~1km)
<How to get to Maeum Maru>
From the entrance, there are both stairs and slopes,
making it accessible for those who have difficulty with steps. 
Enter through the right door, follow the floor markings, and you’ll find the elevator, take it to the 2nd floor.
When you exit the elevator, soft natural light greets you,
and an information board about the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center (2nd Branch) stands right in front.
Continue to the right, and you’ll find Maeum Maru’s entrance.
What is Maeum Maru?
Maeum Maru is a community space created by the City of Seoul for
middle-aged single-person households.
It consists of: Sharing Store / Shared Library / Fun Workshop
Village Classroom / Healing Garden
At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a cute mascot named “Dong-il,” perfect for a photo.
The Healing Garden
Next to the Fun Workshop is the Small Workshop, with a dedicated laptop zone.
This Fun Workshop hosts small group classes and club activities.
The Village Classroom
Upon entering the Village Classroom, you’re welcomed by a green chalkboard
and a surprisingly spacious interior that can accommodate more than 20 people.
The open space is designed for communication and learning, hosting lectures, workshops, meetings, and other community events.
A stylish kitchen allows for cooking classes and food-sharing events, doubling as a “social kitchen.”
The warm, neighborhood-learning atmosphere connects neighbors and fosters relationships,
a small yet powerful platform within the community.
The Shared Library
Additional Facilities
There’s an information board listing programs offered by the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center,
and a seating area near the entrance.
If you’re a single-person household living in Dongdaemun-gu,
you can apply for programs through the official website.
You can also book Maeum Maru for small group gatherings by contacting the administration office.
The Sharing Store allows you to borrow items, and when programs aren’t running,
the Shared Library, Fun Workshop, and Small Workshop are freely available.
Seoul’s design policy continues to evolve,
not just to enhance the city’s appearance but to improve citizens’ quality of life.
The city will keep working to create a better urban environment through design.
If you’re interested, join us at the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum
to hear more vivid and detailed stories!
[2025 Seoul Design International Forum]
Date: September 19, 2025, 13:00–18:00
Venue: Multi-purpose Hall, 8F, Seoul City Hall Main Building
Website: www.sdif.org
Instagram: @sdiforum2025
That concludes my introduction to Seoul’s design policy and the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center.
Thank you! :)
