Gwangju Seo-gu Opens a Forum for Living Democracy Through Residents' General Assembly

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, takes a step closer to realizing village autonomy where residents directly participate and complete the process.

Seo-gu announced that starting from the 3rd, it will officially begin the "Resident General Assembly," a forum of participatory democracy where residents seek solutions to village issues and propose and decide on village projects.

The Resident General Assembly will be held in 18 neighborhoods, beginning with Pungam-dong on the 3rd, followed by Yudeok-dong on the 9th, and Yang 3-dong and Hwajeong 1-dong on the 10th.

The assembly will proceed in the order of announcing the village BI (Brand Identity), reporting on the activities of the Residents' Autonomy Committee, deliberation on project plans, and resident voting. Resident voting is primarily conducted on-site during the assembly, but to encourage broader participation in decision-making, advance voting by neighborhood will also be held.

Any resident living or active in the respective neighborhood can participate in the Resident General Assembly, and the schedule for each neighborhood’s assembly can be checked on the website of the respective neighborhood administrative welfare center.

Additionally, Seo-gu plans to create a space for communication and harmony by providing various attractions and enjoyable activities such as performances and experience booths during the Resident General Assembly.

Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seo-gu, said, “Revitalizing villages and alleys begins with resident participation,” adding, “We will spare no interest or support to realize a ‘Living Government by Your Side’ where any resident can voice their opinions, participate in village community projects, enhance resident benefits, and lead a happy life.”

Meanwhile, Seo-gu has developed a village BI that encapsulates the characteristics and stories of the village through continuous communication for sustainable village creation, and is conducting various activities such as school assemblies, alley assemblies, and village vision schools to encourage resident participation in village activities.

Shin Dongho, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy bless4ya@asiae.co.kr