[Interview] Kim Young-jong, Mayor of Jongno-gu, "Building an Open Jongno-gu New Office for a Millennium Dream"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] "The Jongno District Office has been using the building of Susong Elementary School, completed in 1938, since 1977, and there are considerable problems due to the aging of the building. The Jongno Fire Station, built in 1987, is also facing difficulties due to building deterioration, increasing the need for an integrated government building."

Kim Young-jong, head of Jongno District Office, explained the necessity of constructing a new office building, the biggest issue in Jongno-gu. In a recent interview with this publication, Kim stated, "We plan to promote it as an 'Open New Office Dreaming a Millennium in the Space of History,' aiming for completion in 2024." The new integrated Jongno office is designed to replace the current district office building and fire station with a facility housing six institutions: Jongno District Office, Council, Health Center, Fire Station, Seoul Metropolitan Disaster Headquarters, and Seoul Comprehensive Disaster Prevention Center.

Kim said, "Our goal is 검이불루 화이불치 (檢而不陋 華而不侈) ? being frugal but not shabby, splendid but not extravagant," adding, "We also expect it to invigorate the economy by accelerating budget execution."

Kim also expressed his position on the Songhyeon-dong site owned by Korean Air. This site has never been opened to the public for over 100 years, passing through the Japanese colonial period and ownership by large corporations. Kim said, "I believe that Jongno-gu’s continuous efforts influenced Seoul City's announcement to promote a forest and cultural park in Songhyeon-dong," emphasizing, "Once Seoul City’s land purchase in Songhyeon-dong is confirmed, I hope it will be developed into a forest and cultural park representing Seoul, reflecting diverse voices from citizens."

To build social consensus on creating a forest and cultural park, Jongno-gu held two forums last year. In the first forum, experts from various fields expressed opinions that the Songhyeon-dong site should be used for public interest purposes, and in the second forum, 80.5% of citizens supported the creation of a forest and cultural park. Kim proudly stated, "I have worked with the mindset of 'starting small, slowly but properly' to make Jongno not just a superficially good 'product' but a 'masterpiece' that shines with value as time passes and reflects the spirit of artisans." He also shared his dream, saying, "I will add people-centered administration and the value of Jongno to the harmony of past, present, and future life in Jongno to make it a luxury city recognized worldwide."