From Economy to Welfare, Shining Bright... Choi Ho-kwon, Yeongdeungpo-gu Mayor, Receives External Recognition for Achievements in the 8th Term of Elected Office

November 26, Ministry of the Interior and Safety's 'Productivity Award' Excellence in Autonomous Districts Ministerial Award... 2nd Among Cities and Counties
Top Grade in Economic Activity Participation Growth and Lifelong Education Facility Usage, Significantly Outperforming Other Districts
External Recognition of All-Round Efforts in Resident Quality of Life and Public Service Improvement During the 8th Elected Term

Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it was selected as an excellent autonomous district and received the Minister’s Award at the ‘14th Local Government Productivity Awards’ held at the Government Seoul Office on the 26th, gaining external recognition for the outstanding achievements of the 8th term of the elected administration across all areas of district governance, including economy, environment, culture, and welfare.

Hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the ‘Local Government Productivity Awards’ have been held annually since 2011 to improve the productivity and competitiveness of basic local governments. Among 135 participating basic local governments, Yeongdeungpo-gu was ranked an impressive 2nd place as an excellent autonomous district.

Notably, the district was the only autonomous district in Seoul to be selected, elevating its status as an excellent autonomous district. This recognition externally validates the 8th term’s efforts across all fields to improve the quality of life and public service levels for Yeongdeungpo residents, demonstrating that it is a more livable city compared to other districts.

The selection was made through a fair and objective evaluation by 15 judges composed of experts from the public, private, and academic sectors, based on 24 detailed indicators in two areas: ‘local government competitiveness’ and ‘quality of life,’ using a measurement formula.

As a result, the district received excellent evaluations compared to other local governments in ▲population management ▲local economy ▲administration and finance ▲safety and health ▲education and culture. In particular, the economic activity participation growth rate and lifelong education facility usage level received the highest grade (S), while nine indicators including total fertility rate, youth employment growth rate, per capita gross regional domestic product growth rate, financial independence, financial autonomy, and childcare facility usage level received an A grade.

Especially, the youth employment growth rate was 6.91% (district average 0.32%), per capita gross regional domestic product growth rate was 7.92% (district average 4.63%), and economic activity participation growth rate was 5.56% (district average 1.61%), surpassing the district averages and proving Yeongdeungpo’s potential. With the second highest youth ratio among Seoul’s autonomous districts, the district has actively promoted communication with youth and made comprehensive efforts to strengthen youth capabilities and support employment, including support for national qualification exam fees and employment mentoring. Furthermore, under the philosophy that ‘the best welfare is jobs,’ it has revitalized the local economy through job creation and prepared to leap forward as a new economic hub.

Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “Winning the ‘Productivity Award,’ which evaluates local government competitiveness and residents’ quality of life, recognizes Yeongdeungpo’s administrative capabilities and proves that living in Yeongdeungpo is a source of pride. We will continue to lead residents’ happiness and regional development and strive to become a new standard for local governments as a premium new economic city in the southwestern region that leads the future.”