"For Residents' Comfort" ... Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam, Begins Second Half of Term with 'Resident Dialogue'

Willingness to Reflect Opinions Such as Opening of Cheonseongsan Tunnel in Yangsan

Governor Park Wansu of South Gyeongsang Province began the second half of his term by holding a 'Dialogue with Residents'.

On the morning of the 1st, the provincial government held a 'Dialogue with Residents' in the main conference room at the provincial office, inviting more than 80 residents representing various sectors such as social welfare, healthcare, education, arts and culture, tourism, economy, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.

Governor Park met with the residents to share the policies proposed by them and the progress made so far, and exchanged opinions on local issues brought up by the residents.

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province is starting the first day of the second half of the 8th local government term at the provincial office with a "Dialogue with Residents." [Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Office]

He said, "It feels like just yesterday that I started leading the provincial administration as governor, but we have already reached the halfway point of the 8th popularly elected term. Over the past two years, we have laid a solid foundation for the regional economy to rebound, and in the second half, we plan to actively implement welfare policies focused on making the lives of struggling residents happier."

He added, "If you share your honest opinions about the provincial administration, I will reflect them in our policies and continue to work hard in the second half of my term."

At the preceding 'Residents' Assembly', participants shared their impressions about seeing their policy suggestions actually being implemented and requested ongoing progress and support in the future.

They also expressed expectations for the direction of the provincial administration in the second half and for continued communication with the residents.

Suggestions included: additional support for food expenses and simplified accounting for senior centers; financial support for egg freezing to address low birth rates and infertility; support for attracting small groups of overseas tourists offline; and creating safer workplaces for foreign workers.

They also called for: revitalizing the distribution of eco-friendly forest products and supporting young foresters; increased attention to isolated and reclusive youth; improving awareness of mental illness; better treatment for emotional laborers; and support for small and medium-sized enterprises in exporting.

A "Dialogue with Residents" is taking place in the main conference room of the Gyeongnam Provincial Office.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Office]

Among them, a resident of Yangsan pointed out that the eastern part of Yangsan, with a population of 100,000, lacks a hospital emergency room, and that residents must travel through Ulsan or Busan to reach other areas of South Gyeongsang. The resident requested the prompt opening of the 'Cheonseongsan Tunnel', which would connect the old downtown and Dongyangsan.

The only hospital in eastern Yangsan with a 24-hour emergency room closed this year after failing to find a new owner following the death of the hospital director in December last year.

As a result, residents of Dongyangsan now have to travel 40 minutes by car to Yangsan Pusan National University Hospital for emergency care, or go to Ulsan or Busan.

Governor Park stated, "The opening of the Cheonseongsan Tunnel on Local Road 1028 is a key campaign pledge and currently the top priority project for the provincial government. We have continuously requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to upgrade Road 1028 to a national highway, and following approval from the Ministry, we expect a response from the Ministry of Economy and Finance soon."

He added, "If the road is upgraded to a national highway, the tunnel will be opened with national funds, but even if not, we will use provincial funds to fulfill the wishes of local residents. I promise that the Cheonseongsan Tunnel will definitely be built."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is responding to the residents' suggestions during the 'Dialogue with Residents'. [Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

During the two-hour dialogue, Governor Park directly answered residents' questions and suggestions and instructed relevant departments to prepare appropriate measures.

He said, "I will reflect what you have said in our administration to ensure residents' comfort. Please continue to show interest in the provincial government during the second half of my term, and feel free to share your opinions at any time."

The 'Dialogue with Residents' was broadcast live on the official provincial YouTube channel 'Gyeongnam TV' and is available for replay.