Chungju's Jajakjajak Cooperative Proposes Soundscape Travel Capturing Local Sounds

The Tourism Dure 'Jajakjajak Cooperative', formed by young people gathered from the Chungju area, is operating unique travel programs to find the hidden charms of Chungju. According to a video from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, they are presenting 'Soundscape' experiences, which allow one to appreciate landscapes through sound by utilizing the quiet neighborhood atmosphere of Chungju, along with a letter-writing program that leaves a lasting impression of the trip.

Landscapes Heard Through Sound: Soundscape and Letter-Writing Programs

Jajakjajak Cooperative proposes travel that utilizes the auditory elements found in the nature and alleys of Chungju. An individual appearing in the video explains 'Soundscape' as a compound word of landscape and sound, stating that they provide an experience of listening to the unique natural sounds of Chungju by opening one's ears just as one opens one's eyes. This is a method of experiencing the local atmosphere through hearing, moving away from visual-centric tourism.

They are also operating a program to help conclude the trip. The cooperative conducts a letter-writing program so that travelers can organize their memories of Chungju. The video includes an interview with a participant who says they feel the greatest sense of reward when travelers express their desire to definitely return to Chungju. These activities were introduced as a new form of entertainment not previously seen in the Chungju area.

The Startup Background of a Cooperative Formed by Alleyway Regulars

The members of Jajakjajak Cooperative are young people who call Chungju their hometown, and they formed connections as regulars or part-time workers in specific alleys. Based on shared tastes, while searching for things they wanted to do in the region, they formed the cooperative by expanding into the space next to the alleys where they previously worked. Rather than forcing the creation of something non-existent to increase local charm, they chose a method of unfolding the things they truly love and are good at within the region they love.

A representative of the cooperative explained the background of starting a cafe after taking a leave of absence from school, stating they wanted to create a space where visitors to Chungju could tour the quiet neighborhood and rest comfortably. They judged that it is important to directly promote the charm of the region, demonstrating that region-based startups are a process of increasing local value.