Experiencing City Government and Learning Jeong Yak-yong's Spirit... Namyangju Produces 223 "1-Day Honorary Mayors"

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Kwangdeok) ran the "26th 1-Day Honorary Mayor" program on the 28th at City Hall for eight elementary and middle school students from the district.

Joo Kwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is running the "26th 1-Day Honorary Mayor" program on the 28th at City Hall for eight elementary and middle school students in the district. Provided by Namyangju City

The "1-Day Honorary Mayor" program is designed to provide children, who have limited opportunities to participate in administrative affairs, with a chance to experience municipal government, helping them develop democratic citizenship and leadership skills. Since its launch in October 2022, the program has produced a total of 223 "Namyangju 1-Day Honorary Mayors" over 26 sessions, including this one.

The students appointed as honorary mayors spent the day experiencing the role of Namyangju's mayor by touring the Comprehensive Civil Service Office, Disaster Situation Room, and Smart City Integrated Center, gaining hands-on experience in administration and learning about the functions of city government from a child's perspective.

In the afternoon, they visited the Jeong Yak-yong Historic Site and the Silhak Museum, listened to cultural explanations, learned about the achievements of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong-who is listed as a UNESCO World Eminent Figure-and the philosophy of Silhak. The program concluded with a satisfaction survey where students shared their thoughts on the experience.

One of the 1-Day Honorary Mayors said, "It was meaningful to learn that Namyangju is such a large metropolitan city. I hope there will continue to be a lot of interest and support for young students in the future."

Mayor Joo Kwangdeok stated, "Just as crops in the field grow listening to the footsteps of farmers, you too should nurture your dreams every day with interest and encouragement. I also hope you develop a habit of constant record-keeping like Jeong Yak-yong, which will help you lead a creative and self-directed life. Small actions and the right mindset to realize your dreams will become the foundation that transforms your life 10 or 20 years from now," he added.

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