Assemblyman Kim Won-i and over 30 participants including citizen representatives hold 'Yudal Jeongdam'

"Making It a Direct Democracy Platform to Deliberate and Solve Issues Together with Mokpo Citizens"

Assemblyman Kim Won-i held the first 'Yudal Jeongdam' with the participation of more than 30 people, including citizen representatives. (Photo by Assemblyman Kim Won-i's office)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Kim Won-i, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea (Mokpo City, Jeonnam), announced on the 8th that he held the first ‘Yudal Jeongdam’ on the 6th at 2 p.m. at the Mokpo regional office under the theme of listening to citizens’ opinions regarding the plan to expand the 30,000-ton-class pier in front of the Mokpo City Fisheries Cooperative Auction Market.

About 30 resident representatives attended the event, including Jeonnam Provincial Assembly members, Mokpo City Council members, the Director of Mokpo City Economic and Industrial Bureau, the Head of Mokpo City Marine and Port Division, the Head of Mokpo City Port Policy Team, the Haandong Development Promotion Committee, the Manho-dong Autonomous Committee, the Yudal-dong Autonomous Committee, representatives of each building of Songgwang Apartment, and representatives of stores around Haandong and Geumhwa-dong.

Kang Seong-sil, representative of Songgwang Apartment, suggested, “Mokpo’s gateway is Yudal-dong, and the harbor’s sea should be open wide,” adding, “The current plan that blocks the space is wrong.”

In particular, Lee Jun-young, secretary of the Yudal-dong Autonomous Committee, added, “If the Fisheries Cooperative moves to the North Port, the local commercial district will collapse,” and “Mokpo City should prepare a plan that better preserves this gateway of Mokpo as a space where modern historical culture breathes, rather than the current plan, in line with the era of 10 million tourists.”

In response, City Councilor Jeong Young-su said, “Ultimately, it is important to revitalize the commercial district in this area and create jobs, and I regret that I only recently heard the plan from Mokpo City,” adding, “We will listen to citizens’ opinions and work together with them.”

City Councilor Lee Hyung-wan also said, “I think efforts are needed for coastal tourism, such as youth pojangmacha (street food stalls).”

Kim Gyu-woong, Director of Mokpo City Economic and Industrial Bureau, explained, “Currently, it is at the basic planning stage for a passenger-only pier, and plans for citizens, such as a plaza, will be gradually discussed through detailed implementation plans.”

Kim Chung, Head of Mokpo City Marine and Port Division, said, “If the passenger ship’s berthing capacity is increased, the risk will be reduced, and the plan also considers future demand for Chinese ports,” adding, “We will carefully consider which direction is the right one to pursue.”

After listening to various opinions from citizen representatives, Assemblyman Kim Won-i said, “Visiting the site allowed me to better understand the residents’ difficulties,” and “I will create two more opportunities for discussions with citizens and related organizations.”

He added, “I believe that ‘Yudal Jeongdam’ is the most important place to listen to citizens’ opinions without being bound by formalities in legislative activities,” and “In the future, it will not only be about listening but will become a direct democracy forum where we think together with Mokpo citizens and find solutions through various forms of communication such as listening sessions, roundtable talks, and debates.”

Assemblyman Kim Won-i plans to actively review the complaints raised that day and continue communication with residents through consultations with the National Assembly, central government, Mokpo City, and related agencies.

Meanwhile, the second ‘Yudal Jeongdam’ is scheduled to be held in the form of a roundtable discussion to exchange various opinions with young people in the Mokpo area.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.