Hong Nampyo, Changwon Special City Mayor, "For a Soaring Changwon City with the Energy of the Blue Dragon"

2024 New Year's Address Announcement

Hong Nampyo, Changwon Special City Mayor.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, announced a New Year's address on the 29th to welcome the year 2024. Below is the full text of the New Year's address.

Respected and beloved citizens of Changwon, and all those who have moved away!

The hopeful new year of 2024 has dawned. As we welcome the Year of the Blue Dragon, Gapjin Year (甲辰年), I wish your families a year filled with joy and prosperity.

The bold challenge of the 8th elected administration, “Changwon, the Northeast Asia Central City,” has now entered its third year. Although there have been many difficulties and moments of crisis, thanks to the support and encouragement of our citizens, our city has wisely overcome these challenges and embarked on a path of change and innovation.

In particular, last year was a meaningful year in which we achieved significant accomplishments that will brighten the future of our city. The new national industrial complex, which will be responsible for Changwon’s future, was selected as the final candidate site by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Masan Station future-type transfer center was also selected as a government pilot project. The long-awaited SRT bound for Suseo began operating on the Gyeongjeon Line in September last year, and the district unit plan was reorganized for the first time in 50 years, laying the foundation to meet future urban space demands.

Based on these foundations, our city will focus all its capabilities on making 2024 a year that accelerates the transition to innovative growth.

To this end, the Changwon National Industrial Complex will establish a mid- to long-term master plan to initiate a major transformation for the next 50 years, and Changwon National Industrial Complex 2.0 will begin the preliminary feasibility study application this year to develop into a defense and nuclear specialized complex with super-gap competitiveness. The aging Jungni and Bongam industrial complexes will be transformed into advanced complexes where industry, business, housing, and culture converge through a major renovation, revitalizing Changwon’s economy.

Urban spaces will be reborn as future-oriented spaces through organic connections. We will enhance the city’s internal and external accessibility by constructing high-speed railroads connecting the metropolitan area, Changwon, and Gadukdo New Airport, as well as express roads passing through the city center. The urban management plan will complete its first revision by next year, and we will make every effort to fully lift the development restriction zone.

We will create a Changwon full of consideration and inclusion where all citizens can be respected. We will provide customized welfare through meticulous care for socially vulnerable groups and greatly expand jobs for the elderly and disabled to lead healthy social participation. For the youth, we will provide attractive living conditions through expanded housing supply and support payments for newcomers.

We will create a culture that enhances the quality of life and adds dignity to daily life. To ensure that culture can always be enjoyed in living spaces, we will promptly build the Changwon Municipal Art Museum and attract a medical school. Through the Masan Bay Grand Design, which connects the coastline three-dimensionally, we will restore the public nature of the sea and return it to the citizens.

We will build a strong city where the fundamental right of safety that citizens deserve is guaranteed. We will establish a comprehensive safety management plan for each type of accident to complete a rapid response system, and expand CCTV in areas prone to crime to protect citizens’ daily lives. By improving pedestrian-centered traffic facilities, we will minimize the risk of traffic accidents.

The first day of 2024 is full of hope and excitement. Despite the government’s tight fiscal policy, our city has secured a record-high national budget of 1.7957 trillion won, welcoming the new year with hope. Starting from this, I ask all citizens to watch together as Changwon soars vigorously throughout the year, and to give your wholehearted support and encouragement. May this be a precious year in which all your wishes come true, and Happy New Year!