Gwangju Seogu Responds to Consumer Coupons Using 'Living Government System'

Formation of Dedicated Consumer Coupon Task Force
Utilizing the Hub Neighborhood-Linked Neighborhood Network

Seogu District in Gwangju (District Mayor Kim Ikang) is actively utilizing the 'Living Government System,' which was first introduced among local governments nationwide, to respond quickly and systematically to the government's livelihood recovery consumer coupon program.

Seogu District Office view. Provided by Seogu District Office

On July 15, Seogu announced that it has formed and begun operating a 'Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupon Task Force' in preparation for the consumer coupons to be distributed to all citizens starting on July 21.

The task force is led by the Deputy District Mayor, with the Economic Affairs Division overseeing the operation. The Resident Autonomy Division, Welfare Benefits Division, Administrative Support Division, Accounting and Information Division, Planning Office, and Public Relations Office are participating as collaborating departments. Additionally, extra staff will be assigned to the 18 Administrative Welfare Centers in each neighborhood, and dedicated personnel will be separately hired to strengthen administrative responsiveness.

In particular, Seogu will actively utilize the 'Hub Neighborhood-Linked Neighborhood Network System' introduced during the 8th popularly elected administration in the process of distributing the consumer coupons. Seogu has divided its 18 neighborhoods into four regions, establishing a collaborative system for each region and operating a horizontal communication and decision-making system where neighborhoods support each other.

Accordingly, Seogu will appoint each hub neighborhood chief as the 'Field Support Director' of the task force, granting them comprehensive management of linked neighborhoods and empowering them to respond proactively to on-site situations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of resident-centered services.

Services for residents' convenience will also be strengthened. Seogu District Office will operate a dedicated call center for consumer coupons, providing telephone consultations and in-person civil service guidance. Additionally, for residents with mobility difficulties and others who find it hard to apply in person, a 'Visiting Kind Application' service will be offered to ensure that all district residents can receive benefits without omission through comprehensive support.

During the first week (July 21-25), when a surge in applications is expected, a day-of-the-week system based on the last digit of birth year will be implemented. Available personnel, such as welfare assistants in each neighborhood, will be actively deployed to strengthen on-site support for the elderly, vulnerable groups, and other applicants who may face difficulties in the application process.

Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seogu District, stated, "The distribution of these consumer coupons, in conjunction with the designation of alley-type shopping districts throughout Seogu, is an opportunity to revitalize the local economy and provide tangible support to small business owners and the self-employed. Based on Seogu's unique region-centered responsible management system, we will further enhance administrative efficiency and on-site responsiveness."

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