Hwaseong-si, Ranked 1st in Local Autonomy Competitiveness for 7 Consecutive Years

Highest Among 225 Cities, Counties, and Districts Nationwide
Pyeongtaek City Ranks 2nd... Climbs 19 Steps Vertically in 8 Years

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province has ranked first in overall competitiveness for the seventh consecutive year in this year's 'Korea Local Autonomy Competitiveness Index (KLCI)' survey.

According to the evaluation results announced by the Korea Institute of Public Administration, Hwaseong City scored 712.2 points, the highest among 226 cities, counties, and districts nationwide. The city explained that this score far exceeds the national average of 480 points.

The KLCI was created to develop local autonomy management indicators and measure regional competitiveness. Since 1996, it has been surveyed and announced annually targeting local governments nationwide. It investigates and analyzes three areas: management resources, management activities, and management performance, as well as overall competitiveness.

In particular, Hwaseong City also ranked first in the 'management activities' category, which evaluates the local economy, administration, and finance, with a score of 216.8 points.

Jung Myung-geun, mayor of Hwaseong City, said, "Hwaseong's achievement of first place nationwide for seven consecutive years is a result created together by one million citizens and public officials. We will not be complacent and will do our best to make Hwaseong the best city where everyone wants to live."

Pyeongtaek City ranked second in overall competitiveness following Hwaseong. Pyeongtaek, which was ranked 21st in 2015, rapidly rose to 4th place in 2020 and climbed to 2nd place this year.

Pyeongtaek secured top ranks in management resources and management activities due to active expansion of industrial bases such as jobs and manufacturing, various land development projects, and continuous population growth. The city explained that the main policies of the 8th local government administration entering their main track also drove the rise in ranking.

Jung Jang-seon, mayor of Pyeongtaek City, said, "We will continue to focus our administrative capabilities to create a nationally competitive and leading city based on Pyeongtaek's unique charm and strengths."