Why Did Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, Hold a 'Communication Workshop' with Dong Chiefs?

Workshop on Implementing Empathetic Administration through Communication and Harmony Held in Paju on Dec 12-13
16 Dong Chiefs of Mapo-gu and Mayor Park Gang-su Learn Communication, Harmony, and Empathy Strategies for Residents
Mayor Park Gang-su of Mapo-gu and Dong Chiefs Open a New Chapter in Communication and Empathy Administration

The Dongjang (neighborhood chief) is truly the frontline administrative body that realizes grassroots administration.

However, it is a fact that Dongjangs have not been given significant recognition within the autonomous districts of Seoul.

Amid this, Mapo-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Park Gang-su) attracted attention by holding a Dongjang workshop in Paju, Gyeonggi-do, over two days from the 12th to the 13th, under the theme of ‘Implementing Empathetic Administration through Communication and Harmony.’

This Dongjang workshop focused on enhancing communication and empathy skills and improving public service through customized job training and field experiences, attended by Dongjangs representing the 16 neighborhoods (dong) of Mapo-gu and Mayor Park Gang-su.

This communication workshop was organized because Mayor Park Gang-su highly values the role of Dongjangs. He considers Dongjangs as ‘small district mayors’ who put the district mayor’s administrative philosophy into practice on the ground.

On the first day of the workshop, held on the 12th under the theme ‘Communication Made Together,’ participants learned various strategies for communication and harmony and discussed ways to strengthen direct communication with residents.

During the subsequent ‘Time for Communication with the District Mayor,’ they shared the district’s key core visions and emphasized the importance of building consensus at the point of contact with residents.

At this session, Mayor Park Gang-su stressed, “Dongjangs must form a one-team partnership with the district mayor as they communicate and empathize with residents on the frontline of administration, striving for regional development.”

On the second day, the 13th, participants revisited the importance of national security through visits and experiences at security sites. They had the opportunity to reflect on the role of Dongjangs in protecting the nation and local communities by experiencing real security situations.

A Dongjang from Neighborhood A, who attended the workshop, said, “This workshop helped me understand the direction of district administration more clearly and taught me ways to listen to and reflect residents’ voices more deeply. I will do my best to strengthen communication with residents so that their voices are well reflected in district administration.”

Mayor Park Gang-su of Mapo-gu stated, “I hope this workshop will not only improve the communication skills of Dongjangs but also lead to empathetic administration through building close relationships with residents. We will continue to strengthen the capabilities of Mapo-gu public officials through ongoing education and field experiences and do our best to improve residents’ quality of life.”