Changwon Special City, On-the-Go Dialogue with Citizens ... Communication and Empathy Kickoff

Sequential Implementation by Region Starting with Uichang-gu

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Song Jong-gu] Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam began its dialogue with citizens on the 1st by visiting Uichang-gu and will conduct the sessions across five district offices.

In particular, this citizen dialogue breaks away from the traditional format, with Mayor Hong Nam-pyo personally explaining this year’s administrative direction to the citizens and directly presiding over the discussion of citizen suggestions.

At the first citizen dialogue held at the Gyeongnam Science and Technology Energy Center in Uichang-gu on this day, about 300 citizens including members of grassroots organizations, businesses, and self-employed individuals attended and shared a variety of opinions.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, began communicating with citizens starting from Uichang-gu.

Before starting the dialogue with citizens, Mayor Hong directly explained the vision and major achievements of the 8th elected administration, the administrative direction for 2023, and key local projects to the citizens.

During the first citizen dialogue of the year in Uichang-gu, citizens continuously voiced their opinions for about 50 minutes without pause, discussing topics such as the lifting of the greenbelt, residential land development in the Jedong district, and the promotion of the Wonidaero S-BRT project, creating a time for communication with the mayor.

Due to time constraints at this citizen dialogue, a ‘Citizen Voice Box’ was installed to reflect the diverse voices of citizens who could not participate on-site, thereby enhancing trust in the administration.

Mayor Hong stated, “We have designated 2023 as ‘the year to complete the foundation for innovative growth for the next 50 years.’ We will create innovative results that citizens can feel through economic revitalization by attracting National Industrial Complex 2.0 and securing future food sources through innovation in the manufacturing industry.”

He added, “It is a moving experience to hear the various concerns and opinions of citizens through this dialogue. I will do my best to listen carefully to every precious suggestion made here and ensure they are reflected in the administration.”