[New Year's Address] Park Junhee, Gwanak District Mayor, "Establishment of 5 'Specialized Parks' and 'Hub Parks' at the Foot of Gwanaksan"

Dear respected and beloved residents of Gwanak-gu, the new year of 2025, Eulsan year, has dawned. I wish you all success in everything and much happiness throughout this year.

Last year, we worked hard for a "Happy Gwanak for All" based on innovative, inclusive, and cooperative administration.

We achieved remarkable results such as the development of Byeolbitnaerincheon as a tourist attraction, creation of Gwanaksan Prime Park and Hwangtotgil Trail, the Innovation Award won by Gwanak S Valley resident companies at the international electronics exhibition CES, and being selected as the winning city of the UCLG International Cultural Award.

All of this was made possible thanks to the enthusiastic support and active cooperation of the 500,000 residents of Gwanak-gu.

The current situation is very difficult. Above all, we will devote all efforts to stabilizing people’s livelihoods and restoring daily life.

Since last year, we have operated a livelihood stabilization task force and prepared special economic measures including 30 policies in 7 major areas. We are promoting local commercial consumption through meetings with related economic organizations and field visits.

This year, we will establish the "Gwanak Job Happiness Corporation" aiming to create 12,250 jobs, the highest number among Seoul’s autonomous districts. We will also continue fostering the startup ecosystem by establishing the "Gwanak Small and Medium Venture Promotion Agency" and designating the Gwanak S Valley as a specific development promotion district.

We will fully support regional economic revitalization by providing 5 billion KRW in loans from the "Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund," strengthening competitiveness of small and medium-sized merchants through projects like the "Gwanak-style Artterior Project," and issuing 40 billion KRW worth of "Gwanak Love Gift Certificates" and 1 billion KRW worth of "Gwanak-style Public Delivery App Exclusive Gift Certificates."

Additionally, we will create five specialized and hub parks at the foot of Gwanaksan, actively develop natural recreational forests such as the "Four Seasons Lively Garden" around Nangok-ro and the "Healing Garden" near Nakseongdae Park, and open facilities like the "Nakseongdae District Soccer Stadium" and "Nangok District Park Golf Course" to build a healing and garden city where residents can be happy.

We will strengthen customized welfare services for all life stages by constructing the "Gwanak Cultural Welfare Town," the "Senior Comprehensive Welfare Town," and providing 300,000 KRW growth and childcare support for children aged 2 to 4, the first of its kind nationwide. We will also expand crime prevention infrastructure and focus on disaster and accident prevention to create a safe and secure city.

With a 10 billion KRW education subsidy, we will provide high-quality educational services, actively promote youth projects based on hubs like the Gwanak Youth Center, and hold local specialized festivals throughout the year to make Gwanak a city shining with education and culture.

In 2025, Gwanak-gu will continue to strive for residents’ happiness and livelihood stability with the mindset of "Geoan Sa-wi (居安思危)" ? thinking of danger in times of peace.

I wish your families health and good fortune throughout this year.

Happy New Year.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu