[Interview] Kim Gilsung, Jung-gu Mayor: "In the New Year, Jung-gu Will Become a 'Source of Pride'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] "In the new year, I will do my utmost to make Jung-gu a source of 'pride'."

Kim Gil-seong, Mayor of Jung-gu, expressed this aspiration while explaining the direction of the district administration in a New Year interview.

This year, Jung-gu's administrative goals are broadly fivefold: ▲ Strategic urban development ▲ Realization of a warm welfare Jung-gu ▲ Strengthening educational competitiveness ▲ Revitalization of the livelihood economy ▲ Creating a Jung-gu where 120,000 residents and the district office communicate and harmonize together. "In addition to these five goals, I will always prioritize the safety of residents," Mayor Kim emphasized.

Urban development is one of Mayor Kim's key projects. The core idea is to make "living in the heart of Seoul, Jung-gu, a source of pride." Having spent his elementary, middle, and high school years here, he diagnosed that the current appearance of Jung-gu has not changed much compared to over 40 years ago. Only the people have changed, but the old, low-rise buildings remain tangled as before. In fact, in the Dasan-ro area where 70% of Jung-gu residents live, 65% of the houses are over 30 years old. The cause of aging is "overlapping regulations." Mayor Kim proposed "communication" and "deregulation" as strategies to overcome this situation this year.

"Communication" is the key to accelerating Jung-gu's development timeline. In past redevelopment projects, misunderstandings and conflicts among residents arose significantly due to a lack of accurate information. Therefore, Mayor Kim boldly transformed the role of the district office. Beyond simple permits, the district office began to directly provide redevelopment information in an easy and transparent manner. This led to the creation of the "Visiting Resident Briefings." Whenever residents want, the office visits the area to inform them about what development projects are being discussed and their pros and cons. Resident response has been enthusiastic. Even after filling a 300-seat auditorium, people sit in the hallways to listen. Mayor Kim said, "This year, I will continue to visit wherever residents feel a thirst for communication."

Efforts to ease regulations are also being accelerated. Following last year's area around Yaksu Station, this year they are preparing bold deregulation measures such as raising the maximum height along Dasan-ro to 17 floors. They also plan to prepare detailed grounds to persuade related organizations such as the Seoul Metropolitan Government regarding the Namsan altitude restriction. Mayor Kim expressed confidence, saying, "Now, when related organizations and public opinion are united, is the best time for deregulation."

He also revealed specific plans for a "warm welfare Jung-gu." A notable project is "transportation cost support for seniors." The starting point of this policy is Jung-gu's current status. Jung-gu has held the title of Seoul's highest aging index, highest poverty rate among single elderly and those over 85, for several years. The Ministry of Health and Welfare also agreed on the necessity of transportation cost support considering this. Once the district council enacts ordinances and budgets, the introduction of support funds is expected to accelerate.

For the children who are the future of Jung-gu, solid support measures are being prepared with the mindset that "Jung-gu is with them from the moment they are born." Starting this year, all mothers will receive 1 million won each for postpartum care costs. Childbirth incentives will also be significantly expanded. Additionally, plans were disclosed to strengthen support for residents' health and vulnerable groups such as the disabled.

Efforts to strengthen educational competitiveness will also be accelerated. The core is to develop capabilities to respond to rapidly changing social environments from children to adults. For elementary, middle, and high school students, diverse support will be provided inside and outside schools, including school environment improvements, career and college admission support, learning programs, financial economy classes linked with local companies, and operation of a 4th industrial revolution experience center. To guarantee lifelong learning rights for residents, a lifelong learning center will be established and demand-tailored programs will be operated.

Regarding the local economy, as Mayor of Seoul's Jung-gu, he emphasized a special responsibility. With an annual economic value production of 54 trillion won, the highest concentration of traditional markets among Seoul's autonomous districts, and an economic active population of 400,000, Jung-gu's function as an economic city is significant, and so is its responsibility.

Accordingly, from this year, the paradigm of market and alleyway commercial district policies will be changed. The main points are pioneering online sales channels, market branding, and discovering trendy alleyway commercial districts. The aim is to respond to the changed distribution environment and consumer trends. In addition, there is a strategy to attract young people by linking abundant cultural resources with commercial districts. Mayor Kim added that he will also thoroughly manage youth employment and urban industries.

Throughout the interview, what he emphasized was "communication" and "harmony." In the past six months, Mayor Kim Gil-seong's actions have been a continuous effort toward "communication." In October, to commemorate his 100th day in office, he launched a communication text phone for the mayor. Through this, the mayor and residents can exchange texts one-on-one. When there are issues that require hearing residents' voices, he takes time to meet 200 to 300 residents.

Mayor Kim also stressed that a truly livable neighborhood is one where neighbors can live harmoniously together. To this end, he explained that a professional conflict management system is being established and festivals such as Jeongdong Night Walk are being planned for all residents to enjoy together.

Finally, Mayor Kim Gil-seong of Jung-gu said, "To achieve the five goals that will change Jung-gu this year, not only the efforts of the district office but also the cooperation and interest of various sectors including the council are essential," asking for active cooperation and support. He pledged, "I will work every day with new determination and passion to make Jung-gu a place where tomorrow is more anticipated than today."

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