Selected as an Outstanding Case at the National Resident Autonomy Expo 'Eye-catching'
[Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] The Sanim-myeon Residents' Autonomy Committee (Chairman Jang Myeong-sik) in Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, has achieved remarkable results in revitalizing residents' autonomy and was selected as an excellent case in the regional revitalization category at the 20th National Residents' Autonomy Expo.
According to the county on the 20th, the Sanim-myeon Residents' Autonomy Committee received favorable evaluations for establishing a specialized residents' autonomy model by promoting public-private cooperation and village brand development projects under the theme of 'Sanim-myeon Gulleongsoe.'
Now in its 20th year, the National Residents' Autonomy Expo is a nationwide event hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Presidential Committee on Autonomy and Decentralization, and the Open Society Citizens' Alliance. It selects and promotes excellent cases of residents' autonomy aimed at realizing decentralized governance, everyday politics, and grassroots democracy.
Out of a total of 322 applications nationwide, Sanim-myeon was selected as one of 23 excellent cases among 113 local governments in the regional revitalization category. Currently, among 70 excellent cases nationwide that have passed the second round of evaluation by category, the final winners will be determined on the 29th after an online review.
Despite its short history since starting full-fledged residents' autonomy activities in 2021, the Sanim-myeon Residents' Autonomy Committee was selected as an excellent case by surpassing prominent residents' autonomy committees nationwide. This success is attributed to discovering projects that reflect the characteristics of the myeon rather than following existing committee activities and promoting projects through public-private cooperation.
The Sanim-myeon Residents' Autonomy Committee systematically conducted a five-step village resource survey involving all 40 villages, village heads, and children, including basic surveys, questionnaires, drone filming, field surveys, and intensive investigations.
Additionally, students from Sani Elementary School participated in creating village brands and characters for the 40 villages. Through workshops with village heads and design sessions, they promoted the development of food recipes to generate local economic profits and establish village funds, developing products using sweet potatoes, cabbage, ginseng, and tofu.
This program was conducted using a living lab approach in collaboration with Honam University and Howon University, creating a case of win-win cooperation between universities and village communities.
Notably, the establishment of a governance system called 'Sani-rang Gulleongsoe Public-Private Governance,' held once a month, which functions as a consultative body involving residents' autonomy, myeon administration, village head leaders, and experts, stood out as a remarkable case.
Since residents' autonomy in rural areas hinges on cooperation between village communities and village heads, Sanim-myeon's diverse activities are receiving great attention as a pioneering model of sustainable and resident-led rural residents' autonomy nationwide.
Jang Myeong-sik, chairman of the Sanim-myeon Residents' Autonomy Committee, said, "At first, it is awkward and difficult, but like a gulleongsoe (hoop) that can be rolled well once you get used to it, we are striving to roll the gulleongsoe of residents' autonomy well through cooperation between the public and private sectors." He added, "With the passion of the residents, I am confident that 'Sanim-myeon Gulleongsoe' will become a leading model of rural residents' autonomy."
Haenam=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun kh0424@asiae.co.kr
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