‘2023 Seoul Survey’, Happiness Index 24th (’13) → 2nd (’23)
‘2023 Seoul GRDP Report’ Seoul Districts Ranked 1st in Regional Gross Domestic Product
Notable Inclusive Policies Achieve Resident Happiness and Economic Growth

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, greeting residents

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that according to the results of the ‘2023 Seoul Survey,’ its happiness index, which ranked 24th in 2013, surged to 2nd place, recording the highest growth rate (increase rate 11.49%, Seoul average ?3.64%).

The 'Attitude toward socially vulnerable groups' ranked only 25th in 2013 but achieved 1st place in 2023 (increase rate 19.32%, Seoul average ?2.65%). Seongdong-gu's comprehensive score for 'Attitude toward socially vulnerable groups' was 5.99 points, significantly surpassing the Seoul average of 5.52 points.

This is analyzed to be the result of the district’s various inclusion policies implemented over the past decade under the vision of a ‘Smart Inclusive City.’

Notable policies include ▲operation of Seongdong Rehabilitation Clinic, the first public rehabilitation medical facility for the disabled in Seoul ▲nation’s first ordinance for essential workers and payment of essential worker allowances ▲nation’s first comprehensive survey of semi-basement housing grades and installation of seven types of flood prevention facilities ▲Hyo Sarang Health Primary Care, which won the UN Public Administration Award ▲nation’s first issuance support of care career certificates regardless of gender, including women with career breaks ▲and Ai Sarang Matjip Kicheullin, supporting child-friendly dining culture.

The ‘2023 Seoul Survey’ items consisted of five questions: ▲“It does not matter if my child interacts with children with disabilities” (6.22 points) ▲“Poverty is more the responsibility of social systems than individual laziness” (5.80 points) ▲“I am willing to pay more taxes to expand social welfare for the elderly” (5.63 points) ▲“Institutional improvements are needed to activate women’s social participation” (6.15 points) ▲“No-kids zones may infringe on children’s basic rights” (6.15 points). Seongdong-gu ranked high in all items.

In particular, it scored the highest in the item “I am willing to pay more taxes to expand social welfare for the elderly.”

Additionally, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s 2023 Seoul GRDP (Gross Regional Domestic Product) report, Seongdong-gu’s GRDP growth rate was 10.92% (Seoul average 3.36%), ranking 1st among the 25 autonomous districts, showing the fastest and most vigorous economic recovery since COVID-19.

This year, the district aims to create 8,600 win-win and customized jobs, while alleviating financial difficulties for small and medium-sized enterprises by providing 7.5 billion KRW in SME development funds at a low interest rate of 1.5%. It is also fostering a business-friendly Seongdong-gu by offering benefits such as floor area ratio relaxation (up to 1.2 times the allowable floor area ratio) and a 50% acquisition tax reduction for attracting recommended industries (IT and R&D) in the Seongsu IT Industry and Distribution Development Promotion District.

Recently, domestic and international companies such as Krafton, Gentle Monster, Musinsa, as well as fashion edit shops KITH, Blue Bottle, and Patagonia, attracted by the unique red brick landscape created through the Seongsu-dong urban regeneration project, have also established themselves in Seongdong-gu.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “The high growth rate shown in various survey results is the response from residents to the efforts made over the past 10 years to create a Seongdong where no one is left out and everyone can live well together. We will continue to carry out district administration that is always a source of strength by your side.”