Gokseong-gun Selects Recipients of the 2021 Citizens' Award

Kim Seongbeom in Education and Culture & Sports, Bae Manik in Regional Development and Economy sectors

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Yoo Geun-gi) has selected Kim Seong-beom (59) in the education and culture & sports category and Bae Man-ik (66) in the regional development and economy category as this year’s recipients of the Gokseong Citizen Award.

The Gokseong Citizen Award is given to individuals or organizations who have contributed to the development of the local community or the welfare of its citizens, or who have gained notable recognition. Since 1984, a total of 109 recipients have been selected across the fields of education and culture & sports, agriculture and environment, regional development and economy, and social welfare and filial piety. This year’s recipients were finalized through the selection committee meeting held on the 13th at the Gokseong County Office’s Communication Maru.

Kim Seong-beom, who received the award in the education and culture & sports category, operates the Seomjingang Dokkaebi Village and is also active as a children’s literature author and composer of children’s songs. He has published numerous fairy tales, children’s poems, and songs set against the backdrop of Gokseong-gun, effectively promoting the region.

In particular, his work “Chaegi Kkomjirak Kkomjirak” is included in the elementary school Korean language textbook (Korean 2-Ga) and has been selected as a recommended book by the Kindergarten Association, naturally introducing Gokseong-gun nationwide. Additionally, the Seomjingang Dokkaebi Village Foundation serves as a foothold for local cultural and arts education, greatly contributing to regional development.

Bae Man-ik, who received the award in the regional development and economy category, runs Iksan Precision Co., Ltd. in Seoul and has served as the president of the Gyeonggi Gokseong County Hometown Association since 2019. During his tenure, he has led a hometown love donation culture, sponsoring sportswear for all kindergarten students in Gokseong and taking the lead in donating funds to help neighbors in need. When flooding occurred in the Gokseong area last year, he donated approximately 140 million KRW in cash and goods. He also continues various volunteer and donation activities to discover and support local talent, including providing scholarships for future talents in Gokseong-gun.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Gokseong Citizen Award ceremony will be held separately at a later date due to the cancellation of this year’s Citizen’s Day event amid the COVID-19 pandemic.