From Birth to Jobs... Kangdeok Lee, Mayor of Pohang, Joins Population Issue Awareness Campaign

Kangdeok Lee, mayor of Pohang, participated in the "Population Issue Awareness Improvement Relay Campaign" on the 21st, contributing to the spread of social consensus on population issues such as low birth rates and an aging society.

Kangdeok Lee, mayor of Pohang, participated in the "Population Issue Awareness Improvement Relay Campaign" on the 21st. Photo by Pohang City

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This campaign was launched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Human Resource Development Institute for Health and Welfare to raise broad awareness of the seriousness of rapid population decline and demographic changes, and to improve social perceptions.

Pohang City is implementing practical birth and child-rearing friendly policies, such as "24-hour childcare support" and "hourly emergency childcare services," to create a child-friendly environment. The city is also working to address gaps in childcare by operating community care centers.

In addition, Pohang is reducing citizens' financial burdens through the "Three Free Welfare" policy, which was the first in North Gyeongsang Province to provide free childcare at private daycare centers, free meals at kindergartens and all levels of public schools, and free school uniforms for new middle and high school students.

Furthermore, the city is expanding the foundation for future industries by designating specialized complexes for secondary batteries, bio, and hydrogen sectors, operating the Battery Academy, and constructing the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center. These efforts aim to transform Pohang into a job-centered city where young people want to stay.

Through these efforts, Pohang City is encouraging population inflow and settlement, steadily laying the groundwork for a sustainable city.

Mayor Lee stated, "The issue of population decline is not a challenge for only certain generations or regions, but a task of our times that we must all solve together." He added, "We will make Pohang a city where everyone wants to live, by creating a city with quality jobs, housing, education, and culture, so that young people can plan for their futures."

Mayor Lee designated Kichang Kwon, mayor of Andong, and Beomgi Woo, mayor of Jeonju, as the next participants in the campaign, urging their active involvement.

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