Gwangju City Takes First Step in 'Finding Unique Names for Autonomous Districts'

‘Autonomous District Name Change Forum’ Held

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Metropolitan City has prepared the first forum for discussions on changing the names of autonomous districts in connection with future regional development strategies.

On the 18th, Gwangju held the ‘Autonomous District Name Change Forum’ and announced that it gathered various opinions on key issues for the name change discussion, proposed name changes, and cases of name changes in other regions.

The forum was chaired by Professor Lee Myung-gyu of Gwangju University, with panelists including Min Hyun-jung, Senior Research Fellow at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Research Institute, Lee Young-il, former Director of Hwasun Cultural Center, Lee Young-chul, Professor at Chonnam National University, City Councilor Park Pil-soon, and Kim Seok-woong, Director of the Autonomous Administration Bureau.

First, Min Hyun-jung, Senior Research Fellow at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Research Institute, spoke on the topic ‘Key Issues and Considerations for the Discussion on Changing the Names of Autonomous Districts in Gwangju Metropolitan City,’ stating, “The existing directional concept names do not represent the unique characteristics of the region and have limitations in securing regional competitiveness and utilizing them as regional development strategies. To change the names of local governments, a regional naming committee should be formed, and systematic measures such as publicity, opinion polls, and basic surveys to build public consensus should be prepared.”

Additionally, Lee Young-il, former Director of Hwasun Cultural Center, said, “The administrative district names based on east, west, south, and north are a Japanese-style directional naming method. Administrative district names should reflect the region’s history, culture, and traditions, and embody the region’s characteristics and identity.”

Professor Lee Young-chul of Chonnam National University pointed out, “Directional concept names for autonomous districts become inappropriate as the city expands. With the incorporation and establishment of Gwangsan-gu, which is widely located on the western side of the city, Seo-gu (West District) is now located in the middle of the city but still retains the name Seo-gu based on the directional concept.”

He continued, “Nam-gu (South District) in Incheon changed its name to ‘Michuhol,’ which historically meant Incheon, after the city expanded and it was no longer located in the south, reflecting residents’ opinions. Through gathering residents’ opinions, Gwangju’s diverse identity should be clearly defined.”

Kim Seok-woong, Director of the Autonomous Administration Bureau, explained implications from other regional cases, requirements, and procedures for name changes, stating, “Since the current directional concept names do not reflect regional characteristics, we will form a consultative body to find solutions.”

After the forum, Gwangju launched the ‘Autonomous District Name Change and Administrative District Reorganization Task Force (TF),’ consisting of officials from Gwangju City, five autonomous districts, the education office, and local experts.

Mayor Kang Ki-jung said, “This is the first time Gwangju has started a comprehensive discussion to change the uniform east, west, south, and north names based on directional concepts, and I hope this forum will achieve its intended results. Above all, building public consensus and gathering opinions from residents are crucial in this process, and we will actively request financial support from the government thereafter.”

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