Yeongju City Holds '365 Open Mayor's Office' for Communication with Citizens

‘Exciting Pungmul Sounds That Even Stir Seonbi’

Time to Communicate with Eup, Myeon, and Dong Pungmul Troupes

Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province held the '365 Open Mayor's Office' on the 19th, inviting 15 people including members of the Yeongju eup, myeon, and dong Pungmul Troupes and officials from the Yeongju Cultural Center, under the theme 'Exciting Pungmul Sounds That Even Scholars Can't Resist.'

This meeting was organized to listen to and share the vivid experiences and stories of the Yeongju eup, myeon, and dong Pungmul Troupes, who carry on and spread the precious traditional culture of Pungmul to citizens and enliven the region through various performances.

The discussion was conducted in a town hall meeting format, where participants naturally exchanged opinions on the topic.

During the communication session, various ideas were presented to revitalize Pungmul, a unique traditional folk performance, such as forming a representative Pungmul Troupe for Yeongju City to enhance competitiveness, strengthening support for eup, myeon, and dong Pungmul Troupes, and expanding the base of Pungmul to encourage participation from the younger generation.

Kim Youngjeong, head of the Isan-myeon Pungmul Troupe, said, "Our eup, myeon, and dong Pungmul Troupes actively participate in the Yeongju Citizens' Sports Festival and various local festivals and events, widely promoting the excitement of Pungmul to citizens. We ask for your continued support in preserving and developing the tradition of Pungmul."

Mayor Park Namseo, who presided over the meeting, stated, "I am grateful to the members of the Pungmul Troupes for continuing their activities and creating a vibrant Yeongju despite difficult circumstances. Yeongju City will do its utmost to promote and develop Pungmul, an important cultural heritage symbolizing our identity, history, and community."

The city has been holding the Open Mayor's Office every month since May. On the 10th, the mayor personally visited key policy sites and public venues to listen to voices from the field and communicate about city affairs through the 'On-site Communication Run to You' event.

Going forward, the city plans to swiftly reflect citizens' diverse opinions gathered through on-site communication initiatives such as the monthly '365 Open Mayor's Office,' 'On-site Communication Run to You,' and 'Citizen Happiness Civil Service Office' in its policies, aiming to realize citizen-centered open administration.