Operation of 'Citizen Service Day' for Residents' Daily Lives
Diversifying Communication with the Governor's Direct Text Complaint Service
Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province is making every effort to implement a service-oriented administration through county governance that communicates and empathizes with its residents.
Uljin County Practices 'Service Administration' of Communication and Empathy with 'Citizen Service Day'. Photo by Uljin County
Following its selection as a candidate site for the Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex in 2023, the exemption from the preliminary feasibility study was achieved in June last year, accelerating the establishment of the nuclear hydrogen national industrial complex. Uljin has also been designated as a leading area for the 3rd Hydrogen City and as a special zone for educational development, thereby securing sustainable growth engines.
In addition, Uljin is striving to improve the quality of life for its residents by establishing a welfare system tailored to the region, including support for bathing and hairdressing expenses for seniors, side dish support for senior centers, free rural bus services, and expanded coverage of resident safety insurance.
The driving force behind the numerous projects of Uljin County, ranging from large-scale national industries to welfare benefits that address even the smallest inconveniences of residents, is the strong support of the county's citizens.
This trust and cooperation from the residents have been made possible by a continuous effort to communicate and serve the community.
▲ Together at the Heart of Residents' Lives - Citizen Service Day
Since taking office, County Governor Son Byeongbok began his administration by listening to the stories of residents and actively seeking solutions through community meetings.
The communication that started with these community meetings has since evolved into 'Citizen Service Day,' bringing the administration even closer to the daily lives of residents.
Citizen Service Day was launched to listen attentively to residents' voices, from minor daily inconveniences to various opinions on county governance. It has continued in various forms, such as visiting village halls, which serve as community hubs, visiting local businesses and workplaces, and inspecting areas prone to disasters for safety management.
In particular, starting this year, Citizen Service Day will be operated by visiting residents' living sites at various locations and times according to the characteristics of each town and township, listening to their stories, and collecting suggestions. The program will begin on March 18 in Dacheon-ri and Ipyeong-ri of Giseong-myeon.
▲ Listening to Residents' Voices - Governor's Direct Text Complaint Service
Along with Citizen Service Day, Uljin County has its own communication system: the Governor's Direct Text Complaint Service.
This service allows residents to submit complaints, concerns, and suggestions about county governance directly via text message without any special procedure, enabling the prompt handling of various issues.
Text complaints received are generally processed the following day, and for issues requiring on-site verification or more time, they are reviewed and addressed within three days. As of the end of February, over 900 text complaints had been received, with more than 70% (about 700 cases) already processed.
Notably, for issues that require further inspection, County Governor Son Byeongbok personally contacts complainants by phone or text to ensure thorough follow-up on the results.
▲ Practicing Service for Residents - Greeting First
The name tags of public officials in the 8th popularly elected administration are inscribed with the phrase "We will serve the residents." This reflects a commitment to creating a public service culture that respects and serves the residents, thereby earning their respect in return.
To put this commitment into practice, campaigns such as Greeting First, "Greeting First Day," staff participation broadcasts, and the selection of "Greeting Champions" are being conducted to encourage change among public officials themselves.
On the second and fourth Tuesday mornings of every month, staff members visit other departments to practice and promote greeting first, fostering an atmosphere where residents are greeted first and receive friendly service during interactions.
▲ Building a New Hopeful Uljin Through Unity, With and For the Residents
Aging population, population decline, local extinction... Uljin County is not exempt from these current realities.
However, even in these challenging circumstances, Uljin County continues to move forward without losing hope for a better tomorrow, thanks to the residents who walk this path together.
Going forward, the county will continue to unite the hearts of its residents through a service-oriented administration built on communication and empathy, preparing for the next 100 years.
County Governor Son Byeongbok stated, "Communication with residents is the greatest driving force for Uljin County's development and change," and added, "We will ensure that Uljin County listens to every single resident's voice. I ask all residents to continue to support and trust us, so that Uljin can grow without decline and prosper without disappearing, creating a bright future together."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
