[Interview] 'Into the World Wind Instrument Festival'... Mayor Bang Se-hwan, "Gwangju Where Tradition and Modernity Coexist"

"Segyegwanak Conference is a Stepping Stone for Cultural Cities"
Establishing a Unique and Distinctive 3-Stage Success Strategy
'Spider Web Line'... Building a Comprehensive Transportation Network

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Bang Se-hwan, mayor of Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, presented a blueprint, stating, "We will develop Gwangju, where tradition and modernity coexist, into an international cultural and artistic city by leveraging its geographical advantage of being close to Seoul."

Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, is the host city for the 2024 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference. The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles is a global music festival held every two years and is renowned as the Olympics of the wind band world.

Mayor Bang also revealed plans to concretize the image of "Gwangju, a cultural city where culture breathes in everyday life." He has completed plans to hold diverse music events at cultural facilities within the city and to expand cultural and economic exchanges by forming sister city relationships with international cities.

We met with Mayor Bang, who has devoted much effort to attracting the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference even before taking office in the 8th term, to hear about the successful hosting plans for the festival and key administrative plans.

Gwangju-si Mayor Bang Se-hwan said, "Hosting the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) conference is the first achievement of the 8th term of the local government and a precious seed that will help Gwangju grow into an international cultural and artistic city."
[Photo by Gwangju City]

■ Gwangju City Hosts the Wind Band Olympics '2024 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference'

The process of attracting the 2024 WASBE Conference to Gwangju City was not without twists and turns. Mayor Bang’s "clever rabbit" strategy, which focuses on change and quickly captures trends, proved effective.

The originally selected city was Daegu. However, when Daegu’s internal issues led to the cancellation of the hosting, Gwangju City quickly stepped in. Ultimately, after competing with Toronto and Calgary in Canada and Jinju City in Gyeongnam Province, the hosting was confirmed by signing the hosting agreement in Chicago, USA, where the WASBE headquarters is located, in December.

Mayor Bang said, "This year is the Year of the Rabbit, and since I was born in the Year of the Rabbit, it feels even more meaningful. The phrase ‘creating something out of nothing’ seems fitting here," adding, "With the hosting of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference, Gwangju City will establish itself as a cultural city on the global stage."

Gwangju City has prepared a three-stage strategy of 'Recognition,' 'Execution,' and 'Settlement and Expansion' for the successful hosting of the WASBE Conference.

Mayor Bang stated, "Once the detailed plans are finalized, during this year’s planned 'Recognition' stage, we will widely promote the festival, focus on citizen education, and hold various music events to foster a music-based cultural and artistic atmosphere."

He added, "We aim for 'music that is not separated from daily life' and 'Gwangju where culture and life harmonize.' We will support the operation of diverse music events at cultural facilities within the city, both directly and indirectly, to encourage the creation of a self-sustaining cultural and artistic ecosystem in the city."

Mayor Bang Se-hwan of Gwangju attending the International Music Expo
[Photo by Gwangju City]

As the event is an international one attracting musicians and audiences from 50 countries worldwide, the city’s strategy for the 'Execution' stage is to secure unique and differentiated programs to lay a successful foundation for the festival.

Mayor Bang said, "In addition to the main program featuring overseas wind bands and ensemble performances selected by the WASBE Artistic Committee, we are considering competitions such as the Asia-Pacific Youth International Wind Band Competition and the World Military Band Festival as fringe performances."

Mayor Bang also revealed plans to develop music-linked cultural content and hold regular music events annually to lead Gwangju as a sustainable cultural city.

He said, "Through the third stage, 'Settlement and Expansion,' we will ensure that the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference does not end as a one-time event but grows into a continuous global cultural festival," asking for much interest and support.

He also expects economic effects through the presence and appeal of the WASBE Conference. This includes the 'direct effect' of revitalizing Gwangju’s commercial districts and the 'indirect effect' where expenditures by arts institutions generate ripple effects and impacts on the economy.

Mayor Bang predicted, "Usually, about 50 music-related organizations from various countries visit the WASBE Conference, and during their stay, additional expenditures beyond ticket and admission fees will occur, creating induced benefits."

He added, "The qualitative benefit we most anticipate is the long-term ripple effect of cultural creativity. Art provides an innovation foundation for the economy," promising, "Through qualitative effects, we will enhance both domestic and international images, strengthen the pride of Gwangju citizens, and achieve development as a cultural and artistic city."

■ Establishing a 'Spider Web Line' Comprehensive Transportation Network

Gwangju City Traffic Improvement Plan
Photo by Gwangju City

Mayor Bang identified transportation issues, restricted by development limits, as the top priority for the 8th term. This year, he plans to quickly resolve transportation bottlenecks and disperse traffic volume through a dense road network to improve accessibility between regions.

Mayor Bang said, "The Spider Web Line road network recently passed feasibility studies by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport," promising, "We will closely monitor the progress and deliver tangible results that citizens can feel as soon as possible."

Regarding railway projects, he plans to accelerate progress through consultations with the central government and announced that the Suseo?Gwangju double-track railway project will commence construction within the year. The extension plan for subway Line 8 from Pangyo to Opo is underway, and the extension of the Samdong?Namsa section of the Gyeonggang Line will be included in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan.

The GTX-D extension is also under study as a national agenda by the Presidential Transition Committee. The Wirye?Samdong railway project is being vigorously promoted to be included in the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s preliminary feasibility study target projects through persuasion of the central government.

Through these efforts, the city plans to establish a hub transfer system at four railway stations including Gwangju Station and introduce circular routes to enhance compatibility between rail and bus systems, creating an integrated public transportation system.

Mayor Bang stated, "I promise to swiftly resolve transportation and regulatory issues with the agility of a rabbit," and added, "To lead efficient administration with the cleverness of a rabbit, I will always listen to voices from the field and reflect citizens’ opinions in city governance."

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