Suncheon-si 'Gwangjang Debate' Selected as Best Policy at Chamjoheun Local Autonomy Policy Competition

Highly Appreciating the Achievements of Direct Democracy in Resolving Administrative Issues Together with Citizens

[Suncheon=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] On the 21st, Suncheon City in Jeollanam-do was awarded the Chairman’s Award of the National Association of Mayors, County Governors, and District Heads at the Chamjoeun Local Autonomy Policy Conference for its ‘Suncheon-style Plaza Discussion’ being selected as the best policy.

The Suncheon-style Plaza Discussion is a core administrative operation method in the 7th term of the Suncheon City government that aims for direct democracy by directly listening to citizens’ voices on various issues and gathering citizens’ wisdom together.

In particular, since the 7th term, the plaza discussion has found solutions to long-standing administrative issues such as the crisis of suspension of operation of the household waste treatment facility, the suspension of SkyCube operation and the 136.7 billion won damage compensation claim, and the unresolved controversy over the confirmation of the new city hall construction site for the past 24 years.

Also, wherever there are major or minor issues?whether in villages, alleys, markets, or tents?the city held 119 sessions of Jeongdam (emotional talks), Byeolbam Talk (starry night talks), and Hyeondap Discussion (on-site discussions), meeting with citizens to communicate and find solutions together.

Additionally, to activate non-face-to-face communication amid the COVID-19 situation, the city established ‘Hangtong (??)’ as a citizen communication channel, listening to 215 suggestions and grievances, and is establishing new communication methods such as building and operating ‘Suncheon e-Democracy Garden,’ an online public forum and direct democracy digital platform.

This excellent policy selection was highly evaluated for the administrative operation achievements of direct democracy when Mayor Heo Seok personally participated in the Chamjoeun Local Autonomy Policy Conference on October 22 last year and presented ‘Suncheon-style Plaza Discussion Blossoming with Citizens’ Voices.’

Mayor Heo Seok of Suncheon said, “Like Athens in Greece, where democracy blossomed, we will frequently hold plaza discussions led by citizens to listen to diverse opinions from small daily issues to urban challenges and future visions, creating a breeze of change and innovation in administration. We will actively strive to make Suncheon a mecca city of direct democracy in Korea.”

Meanwhile, Suncheon City was honored as the only local government in Jeollanam-do to receive awards for two consecutive years, being selected for excellent policies at the Chamjoeun Local Autonomy Policy Conference with last year’s ‘Kwonbun Movement’ and this year’s ‘Suncheon-style Plaza Discussion.’