Seeking Solutions to Long-Standing Pending Projects through Collaborative Administration of Government, Seoul City, and Seocho District
Strengthening Disaster Response and Prevention Measures for a Disaster-Free and Safe Seocho
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seocho District (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) has announced 10 new changes created together with residents over the first six months of the 8th elected term.
The past six months were a time to focus all administrative capabilities on resolving local pending projects and to prepare policies that improve residents’ quality of life through “close administration” that residents can feel in their daily lives.
Mayor Jeon Seong-su of Seocho District first concentrated all administrative efforts on leading cooperation between the central government and Seoul City to resolve long-standing resident demands. In September, the Seoul City Urban and Architectural Joint Committee approved the Seocho-dong 1342 district unit plan, opening the way for high-density mixed-use development around Hyoryeong-ro. This valuable result was achieved after persistent negotiations with Seoul City for 11 years.
Additionally, through active mediation between Seoul City and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, a land exchange agreement was successfully signed last month, making visible progress on the long-stalled relocation of Cheongdam High School in the Jamwon area after five years.
Promoting Local Economic Revitalization Policies that Support Small Business Owners and Lower Grocery Prices
Advancing Inclusive Welfare with Detailed Seocho-Style Social Support for the Vulnerable
Prioritizing residents’ safety in preparation for disaster risks. Following the concentrated heavy rains on August 8, anti-fall devices were installed on a total of 1,200 manholes. To establish permanent flood prevention measures, a flood relief feasibility study was conducted for the frequently flooded areas of Bangbae and Yangjae-dong. An artificial waterway was installed on Bangbae-ro and a rainwater pumping station in Yangjae 2-dong to prevent flood damage in advance. Furthermore, a comprehensive safety accident response manual was proactively established to prevent safety accidents in crowded places.
Moreover, a “perceptible economic revitalization policy” was vigorously promoted to support small business owners while simultaneously lowering grocery prices. First, the direct transaction market, which had been closed due to COVID-19, was expanded to twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Fridays and Saturdays. Unique to Seocho, the 'Yangjaecheon Local Brand Commercial District' and the designation of 'Maljukgeori Alley-type Shopping Street' were implemented to revitalize neighborhood commercial areas.
Leveraging the nation’s only music culture district, the Seoul Arts Center, and the Korea National University of Arts, efforts are being made to designate a “Cultural Street” and create a city where culture breathes. In December last year, a 1.2 km section along Banpo-daero near the Seoul Arts Center and Seocho Station was designated as a Cultural Street, with plans to develop related cultural facilities. On September 23 and 24 last year, the 'Seoripul Music Concert and Bazaar' was held to comfort residents exhausted by the flood, offering a time of healing.
Designating ‘Cultural Street’ Utilizing Rich Cultural Infrastructure and Expanding Opportunities for Cultural Enjoyment
Expanding Transportation and Parking Infrastructure and Preparing Traffic Improvement Measures for Convenient Living
Careful attention was also given to accompanying the vulnerable. Seocho obtained the “UNICEF Child-Friendly City Certification” to promote children’s rights, and the Seocho-style shared daycare center won the Encouragement Award at the “National Goal Implementation Excellent Local Government Competition.” Additionally, Seocho was selected for Seoul City’s “Smart Senior Center Contest,” securing 570 million KRW in city funds to create smart leisure spaces for seniors. To eliminate welfare blind spots, a “Guide to Finding Needy Neighbors” was produced, and a business agreement was signed with GS Retail to provide various employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, demonstrating meticulous welfare support.
Efforts were also made to expand transportation and parking infrastructure and prepare traffic improvement measures for convenient living. In December, an agreement was signed with the Gangnam-Seocho Education Support Office to create a public parking lot in the new education support office building, laying the foundation to alleviate parking difficulties. Furthermore, the “Digital Twin” technology, which predicts traffic volume using virtual space, was introduced and selected as a pilot project for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s “Digital Twin Land Project,” securing 700 million KRW in national funds.
Administrative power was exerted to create a “pleasant and livable city.” The “Alley Improvement Project in Front of My House” promoted alley design and environmental improvements, earning Seocho first place in the “2022 Seoul City Urban Cleanliness Evaluation” and the “Best District for Sewer Odor Reduction,” recognizing its clean and pleasant residential environment.
Preparing for the digital transformation era, Seocho did not forget to prepare for a smart city of the future. The Seocho Smart Hub Center established a real-time monitoring system to promptly respond to safety accidents and crimes, and the AI-powered civil service “Seocho Talk” provides convenient 24-hour civil services.
Realizing Communication Administration through ‘People’s Sentiment Administration’ by Visiting Living Sites and Directly Listening to Residents’ Voices
Promoting Smart Administration for the Future in the Digital Transformation Era
Through empathetic “People’s Sentiment Administration,” Seocho came closer to residents. Mayor Jeon Seong-su personally visited 14 sites and met with about 410 residents through the “Visiting Jeon Seong-su Talk.” He also held face-to-face meetings with residents through “Let’s Meet the Mayor.” In addition, about 500 resident complaints were received and addressed through the “Seongsu’s Direct Line,” which responds promptly to residents’ demands 365 days a year, demonstrating empathetic administration as a people’s sentiment administrator.
With the “100-Day Project for Daily Life Recovery,” the daily lives of residents exhausted by COVID-19 were quickly restored. Immediately after taking office, Mayor Jeon approved 69 projects with a total investment of 18.3 billion KRW. Through a two-track strategy of daily life recovery and safe quarantine, Seocho was introduced as a model local government at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on August 24, receiving positive evaluations and safely restoring residents’ precious daily lives.
Mayor Jeon Seong-su of Seocho District said, “The past six months were a meaningful time to communicate closely with residents and set the direction Seocho will take over the next four years,” adding, “In 2023, we will not lose our initial resolve and will keep our promises to residents, creating happier changes for them.”
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