[Feature] Namyangju City Responds to the Climate Crisis Era... The Path to Green Transition for Carbon Neutrality

Namyangju City Restructures Urban Framework to Withstand Climate Crisis
Pursuing Carbon Neutrality Strategy Centered on Carbon Reduction, Carbon Absorption, and Citizen Participation
From Hydrogen City to Flea Markets... Envisioning a Sustainable Future Through Green Transition

The threat of climate change is becoming increasingly severe across the globe, and the Korean Peninsula is no exception. In Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cold spells, droughts, and localized heavy rains have become commonplace, threatening even the basic functions of the city. In response, Namyangju City is actively pursuing a green transition to achieve carbon neutrality.

Joo Gwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju City. Provided by Namyangju City

According to Namyangju City (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) on June 4, during the torrential downpours that hit the Seoul metropolitan area in July last year, Namyangju experienced an average rainfall of 142mm and a maximum of 204mm. This resulted in flooded roads, fallen trees due to strong winds, and a series of power outages. This is a symbolic example showing that the climate crisis has become a reality.

According to the "2024 Abnormal Climate Report" released by the government last April, last year's national average temperature was 14.5 degrees Celsius, the highest since observations began in 1973, and rainfall during the rainy season reached 474.8mm, which is 33% higher than the average year. Notably, 78.8% of summer precipitation was concentrated during the rainy season, sounding an even louder alarm about climate change.

In response, Namyangju City is actively implementing a carbon neutrality strategy based on three pillars: "carbon reduction," "carbon absorption," and "citizen participation," in order to restructure the city's framework to be resilient to the climate crisis.

Mayor Joo Gwangdeok emphasized, "The climate crisis is no longer a distant future, but a reality that threatens our lives today," and added, "To achieve carbon neutrality, we need to transform the city's structure and foster changes that make citizens the main agents of climate action in their daily lives."

Joo Gwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju City (right), and Lee Hanjun, President of LH, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing the "Hydrogen City Development Project Business Agreement" in January 2024. Provided by Namyangju City

Hydrogen City and Resource Circulation Complex: The Two Pillars of Carbon Reduction

Namyangju City is pursuing the "Hydrogen City Development Project" as a core initiative to establish an eco-friendly energy system. The city plans to produce green hydrogen by utilizing biogas generated during waste treatment, and supply this hydrogen to fuel cells, hydrogen charging stations, and public facilities.

A total of 62.3 billion KRW will be invested by 2028, and the project will include a 15,762-square-meter hydrogen production facility, a 3km hydrogen pipeline, and tube trailers. The hydrogen produced will be supplied to 1,200 units of public rental housing, sports and cultural centers, and public offices.

Additionally, a 770,000-square-meter "Integrated Resource Circulation Complex" will be established. This complex will include facilities for processing food waste, recyclables, and bulky waste, as well as an incineration facility with a daily capacity of 250 tons.

Furthermore, an "Integrated Biogas Facility" will be constructed to process organic waste and produce biogas. Through this facility, 3.5 tons of hydrogen will be produced daily from 440 tons of waste, and this energy will be supplied to Wangsuk 2 District, which will house approximately 34,000 residents.

This system is expected to generate more than 1.5 billion KRW in annual economic benefits, making the carbon-neutral circular city model a reality.

Site of the Sanungcheon Waterside Space Development Project. Provided by Namyangju City

Expanding the Lungs of the City: Building Green Infrastructure

The city is also working to create an urban ecosystem that absorbs carbon. A representative example is the "Sanungcheon Waterside Space Development Project," which was selected last year for the "Low-Carbon Riverside Park Project for Local Rivers in Northern Gyeonggi Province." The project involves renovating a 1.02km section from Yakdaeulgyo in Pyeongnae-dong to Jangnaechon and creating walking trails to expand the green belt.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2026. In the future, walking trails will connect Wangsuk New Town to Wangsukcheon and the Han River, further strengthening the city's green infrastructure.

Additionally, Namyangju City is promoting the "Deokso to Dogok Abandoned Railway Utilization Project," which aims to transform the long-abandoned Gyeongui-Jungang Line railway into a cultural park. The plan includes utilizing existing bridges and tunnels to create a scenic light tunnel and skywalk, as well as installing a pedestrian bridge connecting Deokso-ri and Dogok-ri.

In addition, the city is working on six small river improvement projects, including Jangnaechon (Pyeongnae-dong), Janghyeoncheon (Jinjeop-eup), and Cheonghakcheon (Byeollae-myeon), to create a safer urban environment against flood damage.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is browsing items at the Jump Flea Market Hwapyung-dong Zone held at Neul Central Park last April. Provided by Namyangju City

Green Daily Life Led by Citizens: "Namyangju Jump Flea Market"

Namyangju City is focusing on citizen-driven climate action rather than government-led initiatives. A representative example is the "Namyangju Jump Flea Market," a marketplace that practices resource circulation by sharing reusable items. This year, the market will be held 19 times.

In particular, starting this year, the market is being held under the concept of a "market without disposable products." Participants pledge to reduce the use of disposable items, and volunteers also refrain from using disposable containers. In addition, experience booths for children and students are operated, making the market an effective venue for environmental education.

Since its launch in 2010, the Jump Flea Market has been held 278 times as of last year, raising a total of 84,257,000 KRW in donations and contributing to a culture of sharing in the local community.

Section of the "Deokso to Dogok Abandoned Railway Utilization Project." Provided by Namyangju City

Citizens Learning and Acting on the Climate Crisis

Namyangju City is also committed to changing perceptions through education. The city has established the citizen environmental volunteer group "Eco-Network," which is actively carrying out "Sseu-dam Day," a local environmental cleanup activity that includes picking up litter and guiding proper waste disposal.

To date, 206 organizations and approximately 16,000 people have participated in this activity.

This year, a variety of programs are being implemented, including regional environmental academies, training for citizen environmental interpreters, and the operation of an environmental education committee. Starting in 2026, the "Environmental Education Plan (2026-2031)" will be established, and hands-on programs for children, musicals, and online campaigns will be expanded.

Along with these efforts, Namyangju City is striving to become a city of environmental education.

This year, through various programs such as regional environmental academies, training for citizen environmental interpreters, support for hands-on environmental education booths, and the operation of an environmental education committee, the city is providing opportunities for everyone to learn about and practice environmental issues in their daily lives.

Namyangju Wangsuk 2 District is the first among the 3rd generation new towns to initiate a hydrogen city development project. Provided by Namyangju City

Starting next year, the city plans to establish the "2026-2031 Environmental Education Plan" to provide a systematic educational foundation. Age- and media-specific programs, such as hands-on and customized education for children, environmental musicals, and online climate action campaigns, will be expanded. Through these efforts, the city aims to support citizens in becoming the main agents of carbon neutrality.

Namyangju City is creating a practical model for responding to the climate crisis by transforming the urban structure in an eco-friendly way, with both the administration and citizens working together.

Mayor Joo Gwangdeok said, "The greatest force in confronting the climate crisis is citizen participation. Namyangju City aims to build a citizen-led carbon-neutral city," adding, "Going forward, Namyangju City will be a strong partner so that each citizen's actions can become the driving force that shapes the future of our city."