The Incheon Free Economic Zone's Songdo International City will open the second district office of Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. Yeonsu-gu will hold an opening ceremony on the 30th for the second district office, which has a total area of 2,208㎡ and is a one-story building located at 178-1 Songdo-dong (Research Complex-ro 14).
Songdo-dong, which surpassed the old downtown area with a population of 210,000 last October, is experiencing a significant increase in administrative demand due to continuous population inflow. Accordingly, Yeonsu-gu has completed land purchase negotiations for the construction of a public office building within Songdo International City in consultation with the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority since last year, and after rapid construction, has established a new base.
The second district office is equipped with the Songdo Management Office, Civil Service Office, Yeonsu-gu Facilities Safety Management Corporation, and Lifelong Learning Room. To respond to the administrative needs of residents in Songdo International City, the district office will relocate the Songdo Management Office, which was previously on the 17th floor of Michuhol Tower in Songdo-dong, to the second district office currently undergoing finishing construction, and will begin full administrative operations from the 21st.
The district office will strengthen civil administrative services for Songdo-dong residents by adding passport services such as application and issuance, as well as family relation registration services including birth and marriage registration, which were previously handled at the main office. It also plans to provide tax administration services such as local taxes, acquisition tax, and registration license tax, and respond promptly to on-site civil complaints.
Furthermore, following the opening of the second district office, the district plans to expand and reorganize the current organization of 2 departments and 7 teams to strengthen administrative support tailored to the needs of residents in Songdo International City.
Surrounding the Yeonsu-gu second district office are Songdo-dong Triple Street, Songdo Nuri Park, and Songdo Global Park, making it convenient for not only local residents but also visitors to the Songdo area to access administrative services.
Lee Jae-ho, head of Yeonsu-gu, said, "The second district office will expand the functions of the existing Songdo Management Office and contribute to the development of Songdo and the convenience of local residents," adding, "We will frequently communicate with Songdo residents at the second district office and carry out on-site administration."
Meanwhile, voices from Songdo residents and local political circles are calling for the separation of Songdo-dong from Yeonsu-gu jurisdiction and the establishment of a separate special autonomous district.
This is because institutions responsible for current projects and administrative tasks in Songdo International City are dispersed among Incheon City, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, and Yeonsu-gu Office, creating a need for the establishment of a special autonomous district to unify operations.
Jeong Il-young, a member of the Democratic Party representing the Songdo electoral district (Incheon Yeonsu-eul), also introduced a bill related to the establishment of the Songdo Special Autonomous District in June. Jeong stated, "The establishment of the Songdo Special Autonomous District is not merely a simple division due to population growth but is aimed at urban development and securing the nation's future competitiveness," adding, "I will ensure the bill passes to resolve the undeveloped land issues in Songdo and enhance the area's value."
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