In Busan, Gijang-gun with the Most Public Libraries Gets Another 'Library Luck' Burst

Gijang-gun Secures 10 Billion KRW National Budget for Construction of Three Public Libraries
'Ilgwang Library', 'Jeonggwan Edupark Library', 'Haeyang Susan Small Library'

A bird's-eye view of Edu Park in Jeonggwan, Gijang-gun, Busan. A public library will be established in this Edu Park.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Which basic local government in Busan has the most public libraries?

It is currently Gijang-gun in Busan, which has 7 public libraries. Another library construction project is expected to proceed smoothly in this Gijang area. Three more libraries will be established within the next two years.

This is because Gijang-gun secured a budget of 10 billion KRW for public and small library construction projects.

On the 17th, Gijang-gun announced that it had secured a total of 10 billion KRW from the National Balanced Development Special Account budget for the construction projects of these libraries, which will be promoted over two years starting next year.

Gijang-gun evaluated, "We achieved this by setting strategic goals for the expansion of cultural facilities and through continuous communication and project explanations with central government departments, Busan City, and related departments."

Gijang-gun will receive a total of 8.6 billion KRW (40% national funds, 30% city funds) by 2022 out of the total construction cost of 11.5 billion KRW for the Ilgwang Library construction project in Samsung-ri, Ilgwang-myeon, with a total floor area of 3,200㎡.

The Jeonggwan Edu Park Public Library construction project (total floor area 4,150㎡), the second phase of the Jeonggwan Bit·Mul·Kkum Education Happiness Town in Mojon-ri, Jeonggwan-eup, is a living SOC complex project built together with a living culture center, securing 5 billion KRW.

The Marine and Fisheries Specialized Small Library within the Seaweed Breeding Convergence Research Center in Icheon-ri, Ilgwang-myeon, secured 100 million KRW. These three public library constructions are expected to be established with a total support of 13.7 billion KRW.

Currently, Gijang-gun operates 7 public libraries, including the Gochon Eoullim Library and Naeri Saera Library, which opened in May. It operates the most public libraries among local governments in Busan.

This reflects the public opinion that accessibility to knowledge and cultural infrastructure should be further improved, considering the geographical characteristics located on the outskirts of the urban area.

With this national fund secured, the library expansion project in Gijang-gun has gained more momentum.

Gijang-gun plans to firmly establish the foundation for expanding regional cultural infrastructure through this national fund and position itself as the number one city for education and culture.

It also plans to accelerate the creation of knowledge and cultural spaces where citizens can freely and creatively realize their dreams in preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution and the digital age.

Oh Gyu-seok, the mayor of Gijang-gun, said, "I am pleased that the projects we have worked hard on have received good evaluations, and I am grateful to each of the 800 staff members," adding, "We will devote all our efforts to making Gijang a premium city of education and culture."

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