[Interview] Lee Seongheon, Seodaemun District Mayor: "I Will Do My Best for Residents' Happiness and Regional Development"

Strengthening Regional Competitiveness with Future-Oriented Growth Strategies... Establishing a Tight Safety Net through Customized Welfare Systems

Achieving Development Results by District through Resident-Friendly Rapid Growth

"Witnessing the hardships of ordinary citizens amid the economic crisis, I felt a heavy responsibility as the district mayor to dedicate myself to the happiness of residents and regional development. I will do my best to make Seodaemun-gu a place where all residents live happily."

This is the commitment expressed by Lee Seongheon, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, about nine months after the launch of the 8th local government administration.

Since Mayor Lee took office, Seodaemun-gu has completed the Hongjecheon Waterfall Square Riverside Cafe, the first pilot project of the Seoul-style waterfront sensory city, and promoted the normalization of vehicle traffic on Sinchon Yonsei-ro to restore commercial districts and improve transportation accessibility. Additionally, the district implemented policies such as the nation’s first ordinance to discover and support young family caregivers, operation of independent living experience housing for children under facility protection, mobile neighborhood animal trainer services, and support for veterinary treatment costs for vulnerable groups. Together with four local universities including Ewha Womans University and Myongji College, the district supported youth entrepreneurship challenges and growth.

Mayor Lee stated, "Building on the achievements made last year, we will do our utmost to restore the local economy this year."

To this end, Seodaemun-gu will discover and promote various collaborative projects to help the Sinchon commercial district regain self-sustainability and take off again. Policies to stimulate consumption and protect small local businesses will revive the regional economy, while the Campus Town project and the "Youth Employment Academy" will assist young people in preparing for employment and entrepreneurship.

Support for reemployment will be provided so that middle-aged and older adults can plan their second life, and customized jobs will be created for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Through customized welfare policies such as the opening of a public postpartum care center, new parental benefits, and the construction of comprehensive childcare facilities in the Hongje and Hongeun districts, Seodaemun-gu plans to become a region favorable for having and raising children.

Mayor Lee Seongheon said, "We will swiftly achieve resident-friendly growth and accomplish development results by district."