Kim Jang-ho, Mayor of Gumi, Receives the '2024 Seoul Success Basic Administration Award'

Shining with Change and Innovation in the 8th Elected Term

A New Model for Local Governments Nationwide

Gumi City in Gyeongbuk Province stood out as a model local government nationwide by winning the ‘Basic Administration Award’ in the political category at the ‘16th 2024 Seoul Success Awards’ held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on the 25th.

Kim Jang-ho, Mayor of Gumi (right), recipient of the 2024 Seoul Success Basic Administration Award, and Lee Joon-sik, Chairman of the Organizing Committee. Provided by Gumi City

Mayor Kim Jang-ho of Gumi has successfully implemented various key policies for regional development over the past two years through ‘change and innovation.’ This award recognizes Gumi City’s innovative administration and achievements in improving residents’ quality of life.

In particular, following the designation of the ‘Defense Industry Innovation Cluster,’ the ‘Semiconductor Materials and Components Specialized Complex,’ and the ‘Education Development Special Zone,’ Gumi achieved a major industrial structural transformation by consecutively securing the ‘Opportunity Development Special Zone,’ which maximizes synergy with existing specialized complexes. Additionally, the designation of the Education Development Special Zone and the attraction of the DGIST Graduate School of Engineering Gumi Campus contributed to strengthening educational infrastructure.

Gumi’s health care system also received nationwide attention. To strengthen the poor pediatric essential medical system in local cities, the opening of the ‘365 Pediatric and Adolescent Care Center,’ which provides year-round, 24/7 care, improved gaps in pediatric emergency treatment. In March of this year, Gyeongbuk’s only ‘Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’ was also opened, enhancing the treatment environment for high-risk newborns and currently serving as a pediatric medical system hub in the central-western region of Gyeongbuk.

Gumi’s low birthrate policy is also showing results. With the mindset of “If you have a child, Gumi will raise them,” the city is prioritizing the establishment of infrastructure and services to provide comprehensive care services within a 10-minute distance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Through initiatives such as the ‘Gumi 24-Hour Village Care Center,’ ‘Sick Child Care Center,’ and ‘Night Extended Daycare,’ Gumi is eliminating care blind spots and developing into a city ideal for raising children.

The city’s urban brand image has also greatly improved. Through innovative attempts that highlight Gumi’s characteristics, the city is transforming from a gray and dull city into a romantic and fun city.

Throughout this year, Gumi was filled with excitement from visitors flocking to unique and diverse festivals such as the Ramen Festival (170,000 attendees), Gumi Food Festival (150,000 attendees), and Romantic Night Market (260,000 attendees). These festivals are gaining more attention as they not only serve as one-time events but also provide practical support to small business owners and revitalize the local economy.

Moreover, by successfully attracting the 2025 Gumi Asian Athletics Championships, the city is putting all efforts into expanding sports infrastructure, including the construction of an air dome specialized for training camps and a world athletics federation-certified (class 1) athletics track, to prepare for the event.

Mayor Kim Jang-ho expressed, “This award is a valuable achievement made together with the 410,000 citizens of Gumi,” and added, “We will continue to develop Gumi through sustainable policies and innovative administration.”

Now in its 16th year, the Seoul Success Awards, hosted by Good Morning Media Group, is an awards ceremony that honors individuals or organizations that have achieved remarkable results or led innovation in social development across fields such as politics, economy, and culture.