Changwon Mayor Hong Nampyo Marks 1st Anniversary in Office: "I Will Do Well for the Remaining 3 Years"

Expressing Reflections and Aspirations at the Press Conference

Upon taking office, Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, who stated, "I will restore economic vitality, improve the tough lives of citizens, and elevate Changwon to a hopeful city and a central city in Northeast Asia," shared his reflections and future vision on the first anniversary of his inauguration.

At a press briefing held on the 12th at the City Hall Citizen Hall to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the 8th local government, Mayor Hong said, "I have been focusing solely on the goals set at the time of my inauguration while managing both the existing tasks of Changwon City and new responsibilities."

He stated, "At the start of the 8th local government of Changwon, the city faced growth limitations due to the economic recession caused by COVID-19, the global supply chain restructuring amid US-China conflicts, and insufficient proactive responses to the 4th Industrial Revolution, resulting in a loss of urban vitality and increased difficulties in the livelihood economy."

He continued, "To overcome the crisis of Changwon, which has infinite potential and charm, changes and innovations across all areas of city administration were necessary," explaining that the administration was operated based on the vision of 'Changwon as a central city in Northeast Asia.'

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, is greeting at the 1st anniversary press conference of his inauguration.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

Through this, achievements included ▲attracting Changwon National Industrial Complex 2.0 ▲promoting the 3D Industrial Complex digital platform construction project ▲signing a memorandum of understanding for mutual cooperation in hydrogen mobility distribution with the UAE ▲opening of the nuclear power plant company rapid support center ▲the first large-scale hydrogen special vehicle demonstration operation in Korea ▲attracting corporate investments worth 487.9 billion KRW in strategic industries and logistics.

Other major accomplishments were ▲introducing Gyeongnam's first customized welfare points system ▲obtaining ISO22000 international certification for the tap water purification plant ▲opening a city-operated local food direct store ▲expanding and relocating the workers' uniform joint laundry ▲hosting the 2024 UFC U23 Asian Cup budget competition ▲starting construction of the Wonidaero S-BRT ▲selection of Masan Station future-type transfer center pilot project ▲achieving 100 billion KRW in the youth startup support C-Bluewing fund.

Future tasks emphasized included ▲building differentiated core infrastructure for Changwon National Industrial Complex 2.0 ▲designating Masan Free Trade Zone as a national industrial complex ▲creating a second free trade zone within the marine new city ▲establishing a 500-hole park golf course by 2026 ▲expanding Changwon Mom Community Center and public education facilities ▲attracting a medical school and international school ▲straightening the Changwon-Dongdaegu KTX line ▲introducing trams ▲expanding university departments related to specialized professions such as ICT and bio.

Afterward, Mayor Hong answered questions from reporters attending the briefing.

Regarding the city bus routes, which were completely revamped for the first time in 18 years, he said, "The previous bus operation system did not allow organic connections between main roads, so it took quite a long time to reach destinations, but with this reorganization, the system was changed to enable faster travel to destinations."

He added, "However, it is regrettable that the bus sign font size was small and there was insufficient promotion regarding route changes and transfers," and said, "To help citizens unfamiliar with transfers use the bus more easily, we will operate a call center to collect citizen feedback and address shortcomings in September and December."

Regarding delays in projects such as Changwon Cultural Complex Town (SM Town) and Masan Marine New City due to legal disputes with private operators, he said they plan to resolve these in the second half of this year through audit committee meetings, reviewing investigation results, and negotiations.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, is answering reporters' questions at the 1st anniversary press conference of his inauguration.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

Regarding the creation of Changwon National Industrial Complex 2.0, which will be built on approximately 1.03 million pyeong in Buk-myeon, Uichang-gu, and Dong-eup areas, he emphasized, "Changwon City, LH, and Gyeongnam Development Corporation have been selected as project implementers," and "Since the national industrial complex must be built within a development-restricted zone, lifting restrictions is a priority."

He continued, "We are working with LH to lift the development restrictions and focusing on preparing the preliminary feasibility study, aiming for Changwon City to be the first to pass the feasibility study and break ground," adding, "Once joint infrastructure related to defense industry is established, related companies are expected to flock to Changwon."

He also mentioned the establishment of a smart factory support center, efforts to prevent youth population outflow, and the intention to attract a medical school.

On this day, Mayor Hong said, "Over the next three years, I will not only work hard for the citizens but also do it properly," and added, "I will lead innovative growth that will be responsible for Changwon's next 50 years, establishing Changwon as a city full of happiness and vitality, and a central city in Northeast Asia."

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