Pohang Mayor Lee Gang-deok, "We Must Ignite the Spread of Good Consumption"... Focusing Administrative Efforts on Stabilizing Livelihoods

Special Measures for Regional Stability... Full Efforts to Prevent Inconvenience to Citizens' Daily Lives

Year-End and New Year Tourist Attraction, Kind Consumption, and Campaign to Revitalize Local Businesses

Mayor Lee Kang-deok of Pohang said, “I am very concerned that the political situation leading to a subdued social atmosphere during the year-end and New Year holidays might further worsen the difficulties faced by local small businesses,” adding, “If the citizens unite and support each other, the local economy can quickly regain its vitality.”

Mayor Lee Kang-deok of Pohang visited the city hall briefing room on the 16th to explain the "Special Measures for Regional Stability" following the passage of the presidential impeachment bill in the National Assembly. Photo by Pohang City

On the 16th, at the city hall briefing room, Mayor Lee explained the ‘Special Measures for Regional Stability’ following the National Assembly’s passage of the presidential impeachment bill. He emphasized that the city will respond comprehensively to stabilize the local economy and community, while steadily advancing local projects centered on citizens.

The mayor stated that to prevent consumption from shrinking during the year-end and New Year period, the city will foster an atmosphere that encourages normal year-end gatherings such as farewell parties, and actively promote a culture of ‘good consumption’ so that these gatherings take place at local businesses, thereby revitalizing neighborhood commerce.

He also mentioned plans to proceed with the Hanminjok Sunrise Festival as scheduled and to attract tourists by organizing sunrise travel events linked to the full opening of the Donghae Line, aiming to stimulate the local economy.

Furthermore, starting in January, the city will aggressively execute early budget spending, including contract work immediately after budget approval. The Pohang Love Gift Certificates will be offered at a 10% discount with increased issuance from the beginning of the year, and shopping events at traditional markets will be promoted in cooperation with companies and organizations to invigorate local small businesses.

To create stable jobs, the city plans to promptly execute large-scale construction projects next year and expand job opportunities for marginalized groups such as the elderly and disabled.

Mayor Lee Kang-deok said, “I will meet citizens more frequently and listen closely to voices from the field,” and requested “active support and cooperation from the council to ensure that support projects for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners proceed smoothly.”

He also noted that he met with religious organizations that morning to ask for their participation in revitalizing the local economy, and emphasized that he will continue to directly engage with various sectors including ▲key industries ▲small and medium enterprises ▲small business owners ▲large construction sites ▲and marginalized and vulnerable groups to gather diverse voices from the field.

In addition, the city will monitor the operation status of emergency medical institutions in real time to ensure citizens can access medical services stably, and strengthen emergency welfare support for low-income groups facing difficulties in livelihood due to unemployment, business suspension, or closure caused by the economic downturn.

Particularly, the city will establish a thorough disaster response system to prevent winter cold waves, heavy snowfall, wildfires, and other disasters and safety accidents without any gaps.

Moreover, by operating the ‘Industrial Crisis Response Task Force (TF) Team,’ the city plans to support struggling local industries and strengthen cooperation with labor and economic organizations to attract smooth investment to the region.

Mayor Lee Kang-deok said, “Despite various difficulties, Pohang has grown significantly by overcoming challenges together with its citizens,” and added, “Although the national government is in turmoil and the local economy is struggling, we will concentrate all administrative capabilities to ensure that citizens’ daily lives remain stable.”

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