[Interview] Yoon Jong-jang, Head of Seoul Han River Project Headquarters, "Leading Northeast Asian Marine Tourism via West Sea Waterway"

Yoon Jong-jang, appointed as Director of Urban Transportation Office of Seoul City as of January 1, 2023, currently Head of the Han River Project Headquarters of Seoul City

"The 'West Sea Waterway,' referring to the water route extending from the Han River in Seoul to the West Sea, is planned to be developed as a new tourism resource that strengthens the function of the Han River as a 'waterway' and leads Northeast Asian marine tourism."

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “Especially this year, as daily life gradually recovers from the halt caused by COVID-19, various attractions such as festivals, swimming pools, and sledding hills have returned to citizens after three years, revitalizing the city. It has also been a year to reaffirm how important the Han River, a natural heritage and a resting place for all, is as a key hub to realize 'Seoul as a city of 30 million tourists.'”

Yoon Jong-jang, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Han River Project Headquarters, recently shared these reflections with a reporter about his experiences over the past year.

He also provided detailed explanations about the achievements of the Han River Project Headquarters this year.

First, he proudly mentioned the restart of the ‘West Sea Waterway toward the World’ project. Director Yoon stated, “The West Sea Waterway refers to the water route extending from Seoul along the Han River to the West Sea. The plan is to enhance the function of the Han River as a waterway and develop it into a new tourism resource that leads Northeast Asian marine tourism.”

The core of the plan is to establish ‘Seoul Port’ in Yeouido, designated as a local administrative trade port in 2010, by 2026, restoring the waterway connecting the Han River, the West Sea, and Northeast Asia, and introducing various functions that can create added value. Through this, it is expected to offer a unique experience to tourists visiting Seoul, drive the era of 30 million global tourists, and invigorate Seoul’s economy.

Director Yoon said, “Although there was sufficient potential, the project was halted in the past due to various circumstances. We consider it meaningful to have reexamined and upgraded the project to suit current conditions and to be able to proceed with it.”

Unforgettable achievements include the ‘2022 Car-Free Jamsugyo Walking Festival’ and the ‘2022 Seoul International Fireworks Festival’ held in Yeouido after three years, as well as the ‘Han River Park Sculpture Exhibition’

He also reflected on the resumption of festivals that many citizens had long awaited.

Director Yoon explained, “This year, to create an enjoyable Han River throughout all four seasons as daily life recovered, we planned diverse events for each season. Among them, the ‘2022 Car-Free Jamsugyo Walking Festival,’ held for the first time this year, received much praise.”

From August 28 to October 30, every Sunday, Jamsugyo Bridge was transformed into a pedestrian bridge where visitors could enjoy performances and food, and appreciate the beautiful autumn atmosphere and sunset of the Han River amid the cascading Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, bringing happiness and comfort simultaneously, according to many reviews.

About 520,000 citizens attended the seven events held in total, and a public survey of about 1,000 participants showed that 95% wished for the Jamsugyo Walking Festival to continue in the future.

Director Yoon said, “We will gather various opinions and plan to expand the festival in 2023.” Moreover, the ‘2022 Han River Festival,’ which expanded the ‘Han River Mongddang Summer Festival’?a festival synonymous with the Han River?into all four seasons, was held in summer, autumn, and winter, adding diverse enjoyment to citizens’ daily lives with programs showcasing the Han River’s seasonal charms.

He also mentioned the ‘2022 Seoul International Fireworks Festival’ held in Yeouido after three years as an unforgettable event. Thanks to extensive prior consultations and cooperation with related organizations, about 1.05 million spectators were able to safely and joyfully enjoy the fireworks decorating the night sky.

Director Yoon said, “One of the meaningful achievements is the year-round sculpture exhibition held with the hope that the Han River Park, a representative rest and leisure space, would become an outdoor museum where culture and art flow and blend into citizens’ daily lives.” He proudly added, “The Han River Park Sculpture Exhibition began under the name ‘Han River Heung Project.’ A total of 300 works were displayed at three locations?Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Banpo Han River Parks?and about 4 million citizens visited, receiving great response.”

Building on this, shortly after his appointment in January, he signed a business agreement with the Case Culture Organizing Committee for ‘the happiness of Seoul citizens and the development of sculpture,’ formalizing the Han River Park Sculpture Exhibition. Especially in September, coinciding with the world’s top three art fairs, ‘Frieze,’ about 920 works were exhibited at Ttukseom and Banpo Han River Parks, attracting much interest and love.

Director Yoon explained, “The Han River Sculpture Exhibition is scheduled to continue until 2024. It remains our sincere hope that opportunities for citizens to enjoy culture and arts in their daily lives will increase.”

When asked about particularly memorable moments during his tenure as head of the Han River Project Headquarters this year, he cited the three instances of flooding at Han River Parks caused by heavy rain this summer.

Director Yoon recalled, “When people think of Han River Parks, they usually imagine green lawns, water leisure activities, walking, and picnics?places for rest and leisure. However, one of the main tasks of the Han River Project Headquarters is ‘flood control.’ This summer’s heavy rains brought many challenges, and the Han River Parks were flooded three times in total. Each time flooding was predicted, we inspected the site in advance, relocated and secured facilities, and monitored the situation 24 hours a day during the flooding period to focus on timely restoration. As a result, we were able to reopen the parks for public use in a short time. Although it was difficult, it remains an unforgettable experience,” he reflected.

Recognized for achievements during tenure as Han River Project Headquarters head by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, promoted to Director of Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Urban Transportation Office

After successfully completing the ‘West Sea Waterway toward the World’ project and festivals over the past year, Director Yoon was appointed as Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Urban Transportation Office as of January 1, 2023.

Director Yoon is regarded as one of the few senior officials in Seoul with quick judgment and strong execution skills. He is also well-regarded for his modest personality and good communication with subordinates.

A mid-level manager at the Han River Project Headquarters recalled, “Director Yoon not only has excellent work comprehension but also communicates very well with staff without asserting authority. For example, he would conclude preparation meetings for the city council in one session and handle tasks himself, combining character and capability as a senior official. We were happy to serve under him for the past year.”

Having passed the 37th Administrative Examination and worked at Seoul Metropolitan Government since 1996, Director Yoon was promoted to the key position of Director of the Urban Transportation Office as of January 1, 2023.

With experience as Director of Transportation Policy in 2011 and Director of Transportation Planning in 2015, he is expected to play a major role in advancing Seoul as a world-class transportation hub.

Director Yoon pledged, “Upon taking office, I will carefully review Seoul’s transportation issues and vision in advance and do my best to make Seoul a convenient and livable city through improved transportation.”

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