Jung-gu Mayor Kim Gilseong: "In My Final Year, I Will Focus on Improving Residents' Quality of Life"

"Improving Senior Access to Namsan Footpath"
Myeongdong Street Transformed with Myeongdong Square
Urban Regeneration and Yi Sun-sin Branding... Highlighting Jung-gu's Unique Path

On the third anniversary of the 8th popularly elected administration, Jung-gu, Seoul is focusing its efforts on improving residents' quality of life, revitalizing commercial districts, and urban regeneration. At a press briefing held in Myeongdong on the 10th, Mayor Kim Gilseong stated, "Jung-gu is a unique city where commercial areas like Myeongdong, history, and a diverse population of foreigners and young people come together," adding, "In the final year of my term, we will provide focused support so that residents can truly feel the changes and will expand our engagement with the community."

Mayor Kim said, "The creation of the barrier-free Namsan Footpath is one of the most popular policies among residents, but some entrances are inconvenient, making it difficult for seniors to access. We will work with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to install vertical elevators and make further efforts to accommodate those with mobility challenges."

Kim Gilseong, Mayor of Jung-gu, Seoul, is explaining the Myeongdong Square project to reporters on the 10th. Mayor Kim is pointing at the large electronic billboard installed on the wall of the Shinsegae Department Store main branch. Provided by Jung-gu.

Jung-gu recently agreed with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to install an elevator connecting Sindang-dong (in front of Cheonggu-dong Village Square) to the 'Namsan Footpath.' Known as the '15-minute forest zone,' the Namsan Footpath was selected as the most popular policy by Jung-gu residents last year. The 5.14-kilometer path stretches from Muhakbong Park to Eungbong Park and Namsan, and consists only of flat decks and dirt paths without stairs, making it easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

The project to transform Myeongdong into a landmark comparable to Times Square in New York is also gaining momentum. Mayor Kim emphasized, "Now is the time to further maximize Myeongdong's potential," and stated, "We will spare no effort to ensure that Myeongdong Square becomes Korea's leading digital media landmark."

Myeongdong Square began phased operations last November with the installation of a large electronic billboard at the main branch of Shinsegae Department Store. This year, large-scale media installations will be completed at Kyowon Building (October), Shinsegae Department Store New Building and Lotte Young Plaza (November), and Hana Bank (December). Additional media installations, such as the media pole in front of Myeongdong Arts Theater, the Following Media at Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station, the Myeongdong Central Street media pole, and the Euljiro Entrance Station media, will also be completed around September to October.

Mayor Kim stated, "The Asia-Pacific Forum of the World Out of Home Organization will be held in Jung-gu this November, and the Myeongdong Square Countdown Festival on December 31 will become a signature Korean event attracting international attention." He added, "A good policy must be something residents can feel. I hope that Myeongdong Square will become not just a tourist attraction, but the new face of Seoul and a global landmark."

This project, led by Jung-gu and involving participation from more than 60 companies, is expected to generate 48.8 billion won in annual revenue upon completion of its three phases. The revenue will be reinvested, creating a virtuous cycle that leads to the emergence of new industries and jobs.

The district is also focusing on city branding as the birthplace of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Mayor Kim said, "We will inform the younger generation about the historical significance of road names such as Chungmuro, Euljiro, and Toegye-ro, and strengthen city branding by establishing cultural infrastructure such as the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Memorial Hall."

Kim Gilseong, mayor of Jung-gu, stated at a press briefing on the 10th, "We will provide focused support so that residents can feel the changes and expand our engagement with the residents." Provided by Jung-gu.

Regarding the redevelopment of Sewoon Shopping Center, which is vulnerable to fire and other hazards, Mayor Kim stated, "The licensing and compensation procedures are in the final stages, and we are focusing on supporting affected merchants by creating alternative business spaces. Jung-gu's urban development model prioritizes tenant protection and the creation of alternative business spaces."

On education and housing issues, he explained, "Jung-gu ranks first in Seoul for educational investment, including per capita student support. We are expanding after-school care and consulting services for upper-grade elementary and middle school students to increase satisfaction with education."

Mayor Kim added, "Urban regeneration is a complex issue involving both education and housing. We are working to improve the residential environment and solve educational problems by developing new complexes such as Sindang-dong District 10. The creation of apartment complexes desired by residents and the expansion of educational infrastructure are core tasks for Jung-gu."