Suncheon City Midterm Evaluation of the 8th Elected Mayor: 8 out of 10 Citizens Positive

Satisfaction with City Administration, Collection of Opinions on City Administration, etc.

Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) conducted a public opinion survey to mark the 2nd anniversary of the launch of the 8th local government, revealing that over 80% of Suncheon citizens positively evaluate the city administration.

The survey, conducted over three days from the 27th to the 29th of last month, was carried out to assess satisfaction with the 8th local government administration and to gather opinions on city governance in order to establish future administrative directions.

Citizens enjoying a picnic at Ocheon Green Square Photo by Suncheon City

As a result of the survey, 87.5% responded that they are satisfied with living conditions in Suncheon, indicating that improved residential conditions based on ecology and gardens have led to civic pride.

Regarding city administration, 8 out of 10 citizens (80.1%) are generally satisfied, with satisfaction highest in the areas of urban infrastructure and residential conditions (40.7%), local government leadership (14.6%), and communication and empathy with citizens (12.7%).

Areas requiring future efforts were identified as economy and jobs (31.7%), health and welfare (26.4%), and culture, tourism, and sports (14.4%), emphasizing the need for measures to revitalize the local economy.

For key future projects, interest was focused on improving emergency medical environments such as attracting a medical school (52.8%), revitalizing the old downtown area (13.5%), and attracting investment (11.3%), with the establishment of Suncheon National University College of Medicine emerging as the top concern among citizens.

Regarding the plan to develop next-generation public resource facilities in the Yeonhyangdeul area as a complex cultural space, 63.4% evaluated it positively. Additionally, preferred facilities to be developed together included cultural and sports facilities (27.7%), tourism and leisure complex towns (23.9%), and complex shopping malls (14.6%).

Concerning the necessity of administrative integration due to growing concerns over population decline and local extinction, 81% agreed, highlighting the high need for solidarity and coexistence with neighboring cities.

Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu of Suncheon stated, “As we reach the halfway point of the 8th local government, we have confirmed public sentiment regarding city administration,” adding, “We will address areas where citizens feel there are shortcomings through the upcoming organizational restructuring and regular personnel appointments to ensure smooth progress in the second half of the administration.”

This survey was commissioned to Hangil Research, conducted via wired and wireless telephone interviews and ARS methods targeting 1,000 adult men and women aged 18 or older residing in Suncheon City, with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±3.1%p.