73 Points for Overall County Administration Evaluation
Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province conducted the "2025 Geochang County Administrative Service Satisfaction and Demand Survey" through the professional polling agency R&S from May 23 to June 10, in commemoration of the third anniversary of the 8th popularly elected administration. The survey aimed to assess residents' satisfaction with overall county administration, gauge interest in major policies and projects, and identify future policy demands.
This survey targeted 690 county residents (327 men and 363 women) and covered five areas and twelve items: ▲resident communication and participation ▲major achievements of the 8th administration ▲policy satisfaction ▲perception of administrative services ▲future direction of county administration.
According to the results, 58% of respondents rated the county's administration over the past three years as "doing well," which translates to a score of 73 out of 100, indicating a relatively high level of satisfaction. Compared to the previous year, the proportion of "doing well" responses rose by 0.5%, while negative evaluations of "not doing well" decreased by 2.1%.
Satisfaction with public officials' work ability and performance was 75.8 points, and friendliness was rated at 73.4 points. Both indicators showed slight improvement compared to the previous year.
The sense of belonging to the local community among residents was 67.7%, and satisfaction with living in Geochang County was 67.1%. Overall, residents' sense of attachment and satisfaction with the region were evaluated as above average.
When asked about the greatest achievements among 18 major projects of the 8th administration so far, respondents most frequently cited: ▲achieving the highest population among county-level regions in the province and implementing new population policies ▲operating as a leading area for educational development and constructing a school complex at Geochang Elementary School ▲being selected as one of the nation's first three youth-friendly cities ▲constructing dormitories for agricultural workers and attracting foreign seasonal workers ▲establishing a medical welfare town.
In particular, after the county's population fell below 60,000 in January 2024, Geochang County promptly announced a new population policy vision and implemented it. As a result, the county rose to first place in population among county-level regions in the province by March of the same year and has maintained this ranking, which residents evaluated very positively.
Among ongoing projects, the areas of greatest interest were the Geochang Medical Welfare Town and the construction of the Geochang Crematorium (Cheonsang Park).
The Geochang Medical Welfare Town project saw the relocation and construction of Geochang Red Cross Hospital selected as a preliminary feasibility study project in August 2024. After completing administrative procedures such as designating an urban development zone, the county plans to begin site development in 2025 and complete the new hospital by 2029, aiming to become the medical administration hub of the northwestern region.
The Geochang Crematorium was named "Cheonsang Park" through a site selection and naming contest in 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin this year, with completion expected in 2026. The facility is anticipated to improve perceptions of cremation and alleviate residents' inconvenience due to long-distance usage.
Additionally, 75.5% of respondents identified healthcare, welfare, childcare, and education as the most needed policy areas, making it clear that Geochang County needs to further strengthen its policy focus and investment in these two fields.
Alongside the prompt completion of ongoing projects such as the Medical Welfare Town, Cheonsang Park (crematorium), Geochang Elementary School complex, and the educational development special district, it appears necessary to continue discovering new projects and expanding policies in the fields of healthcare, welfare, and education.
County Governor Koo Inmo stated, "We will make even greater efforts to develop policies and initiatives that reflect the opinions of residents identified through this survey," and added, "On the third anniversary of the 8th popularly elected administration, we will reaffirm our commitment and pursue a practical administration of action by aligning the county's direction?focused on culture, arts, healthcare, and welfare in the second half of the year?with the aspirations of the residents."
Meanwhile, in the evaluation of the future outlook for the 8th administration, the proportion of residents responding that "things will improve" rose from 71.4% last year to 82.2%, indicating very high satisfaction and trust in county administration.
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