[New Year's Address] Jeong Munheon, Mayor of Jongno-gu, "Striving to Make This Year One Where People Truly Feel the Happiness of Life"

Jongno-gu, Seongdong-gu, Gwangjin-gu Mayors' New Year's Addresses

Jeong Munheon, Mayor of Jongno District

In 2023, despite difficult economic conditions, we will do our utmost to make it a year where the happiness of life is truly felt

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Hello, I am Jeong Munheon, Mayor of Jongno-gu.

The year of the Black Rabbit, 2023, has dawned.

It has always been difficult, but 2022 was an especially harsh year.

We experienced the Ukraine war, soaring global interest rates, unpredictable natural disasters, and unfortunate safety accidents. Looking back, it was a very tough time.

However, there were also moments of glory. We achieved good results at the Beijing Winter Olympics, made great achievements in space science such as the launch of Korea’s first lunar probe, and even accomplished the miracle of advancing to the Round of 16 in the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.

We endured steadfastly without wavering. In the new year, we will surely create new happiness. 2023 is the first year of a new Jongno. Together with the residents, we will actively build ‘Jongno, the cradle of future culture and the origin (本) of the world.’

This year will be the inaugural year to establish those roots. Jongno is the heart of Seoul, with a 1,000-year history of metropolitan administration, and it must open a new future.

To ‘become the origin (本) of the world’ means to concretely present ‘Jongno Modern,’ a model oriented toward the future based on Jongno’s unique history and identity, to the entire world.

For this, it is more important than anything to fasten the first button well. Having focused on setting the direction over the past six months, we will now boldly draw the future as planned.

We will always ‘communicate.’ Since residents’ empathy for policies is paramount, we will find answers through communication and implement precise policies.

In 2023, despite difficult economic conditions, we will do our utmost to make it a year where the happiness of life is truly felt.

This is just the beginning.

The miracle of faith shown by the 2022 Qatar World Cup can also happen in Jongno. Let us create the power of positivity together.

Thank you.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong District

Establishing four major leaps and four core plans encompassing economy, administration, education, and culture to secure urban competitiveness for the future of Seongdong

Respected residents of Seongdong-gu!

Hello, I am Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu.

After a tumultuous year, the new year of the Black Rabbit, 2023 (Gye-myo year), has arrived.

Happy New Year.

In the new year of 2023, the Black Rabbit year symbolizing wisdom and abundance, I hope all residents’ worries will be smoothly resolved,

and that you will have a generous heart throughout the year.

During the time spent together with residents, Seongdong has repeatedly undergone happy changes.

At the center of it all has always been the residents.

Especially last year, despite difficulties, there were many pleasant news such as the demolition of the Sampyo ready-mix concrete factory, expansion of Geumho-ro and Jangteo-gil, and confirmation of the new GTX-C Wangsimni Station, fulfilling long-held wishes of residents one by one.

These achievements were possible thanks to the valuable opinions and warm encouragement from residents.

Dear residents of Seongdong-gu!

Now Seongdong is facing a new leap forward.

Through warm technology oriented toward people and innovative experiences based on smart inclusion, we aim to enjoy today’s happiness and embrace tomorrow’s hope,

advancing toward a sustainable city.

We will secure urban competitiveness for future Seongdong through four major leaps and four core plans encompassing economy, administration, education, and culture.

We will add culture to the smart inclusive city to elevate the city’s dignity.

Through life-centered administration that reads and improves daily inconveniences, we will create a more livable Seongdong.

And we will never forget that communication is the foundation of this new leap.

Like a rabbit that lowers its body briefly and then leaps higher, in 2023, with a new leap forward, we will always be with residents for a greater growth of Seongdong’s tomorrow.

Wishing your family health and happiness.

Happy New Year. Thank you.

January 1, 2023

Seongdong-gu Mayor Jeong Wono

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin District

We will devote all efforts to creating a balanced development city where residents are happy and everyone wants to live

Happy Gwangjin dreaming of warm development through communication

Respected 340,000 residents of Gwangjin-gu! The new year of the Black Rabbit (Gye-myo year) has dawned.

Last year, 2022, was a year in which Gwangjin-gu, with the vision of ‘Happy Gwangjin developing through communication,’ continuously communicated and laid the foundation for change and development.

Although it was a short period of six months, thanks to the warm interest and active cooperation of residents in the district administration, we were able to take a step closer to Gwangjin’s future development. I sincerely thank all the residents who supported us.

In the new year of the Black Rabbit (Gye-myo year), Gwangjin-gu will lead the district administration with a responsible attitude, listening attentively to your big and small opinions with the spirit of 以聽得心 (listening to understand the heart). We will devote all efforts to creating a balanced development city where all residents are happy and everyone wants to live.

We will revitalize the stagnant local economy and realize warm, mutually supportive welfare where no one is left out and everyone supports each other. Also, by expanding sports facilities for rich culture, arts, and leisure, and improving educational environments that nurture dreams, we will add satisfaction to life and create a safer and more pleasant environment to protect residents’ peaceful daily lives.

Above all, based on always open communication, we will actively reflect residents’ voices in district administration to bring about warm changes in Gwangjin. We will never lose our original intention and will always work diligently and rightly together with all staff.

2023 is the year of the Black Rabbit.

Like a rabbit that pricks up its ears at even the smallest sound, in the new year, we will never miss even the smallest voices of residents,

listen carefully and deeply, and continuously learn.

In the new year, please continue to support and encourage us for a more developed Happy Gwangjin.

I hope all your wishes come true this year, and I pray that your homes are filled with joy and peace.

Happy New Year.

January 2023

Gwangjin-gu Mayor Kim Gyeongho

Seungro Lee, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu

Utilizing Seongbuk-dong’s historical and cultural resources to realize Seoul’s representative cultural and tourism city

Dear 450,000 residents of Seongbuk-gu!

The new morning of the Black Rabbit year, 2023 (Gye-myo year), has dawned.

I hope all your wishes for the new year are smoothly fulfilled and that you welcome a year full of happiness.

This year is the year of the Black Rabbit.

Since ancient times, the rabbit has been widely known as a wise and clever animal. It is also a symbol of growth, prosperity, and abundance.

Last year, in addition to the difficulties in the livelihood economy caused by COVID-19, there were also unfortunate situations threatening life and safety.

I offer my deepest condolences to residents who have endured a period of hardship due to the loss of daily life,

and sincerely wish that, like a rabbit leaping over obstacles with strong hind legs, we all overcome these difficult times together

and make 2023 a year of new leap forward.

Despite the tough and difficult conditions, the 8th elected administration has newly started.

This is thanks to the support of 450,000 residents

and your constant interest and affection.

Through the blueprint for Seongbuk’s development diligently laid since the 7th elected administration, we will do our best in the 8th administration to bring about concrete execution and substantial change.

First, by utilizing the historical and cultural resources of Seongbuk-dong, known as the ‘museum without a roof,’ we will realize a cultural and tourism city representing Seoul,

and create a city where both parents and children are happy with thorough childcare, care, and education without blind spots,

and through rapid redevelopment and reconstruction, which many have long wished for, achieve balanced development without regional disparities,

thus rising as a prestigious city of Korea.

Dear residents of Seongbuk-gu!

The 8th elected administration of Seongbuk-gu will take ‘Together, Change, Growth’ as the three keywords for district administration principles, and realize a happier Seongbuk centered on the field and livelihood that residents can feel and empathize with.

We will listen to residents’ opinions and communicate so that you can feel pride in living in Seongbuk, dreaming of a better life and future development.

In the newly starting 2023, I envision a vibrant community where neighbors care for each other and enjoy everyday happiness.

Let us listen to those in need, hold the hands of those struggling, and together create a wonderful 2023 where warm spring breezes ripple through Seongbuk-gu.

Respected residents of Seongbuk-gu!

As always, I will visit you in the field.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2023

Seongbuk-gu Mayor Lee Seungro