Namchul Lee, Governor of Goryeong County in North Gyeongsang Province, marked the third anniversary of the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration on June 30. He reflected on the achievements, stating, "With the power of walking together with the citizens, Goryeong is being transformed into a completely different city," and outlined the direction for county administration for the remaining year.
Governor Lee said, "We have overcome crises together with the citizens and have tirelessly pursued the vision of a 'Young Goryeong, Empowered Goryeong.' For the final year of the 8th administration, I will continue to fill county administration with policies that take responsibility for the lives of citizens and focus on citizen-centered governance."
Namchul Lee, Goryeong County Governor.
Over the past three years, Goryeong County has achieved several milestones, including the inscription of the Jisan-dong Tumuli as a World Heritage Site, designation as the fifth ancient capital in Korea, ranking first in North Gyeongsang Province for real GRDP growth rate, and attracting investments totaling 1 trillion won. These accomplishments have driven changes in various areas such as history, economy, and population structure.
Governor Lee announced key initiatives, stating, "I will continue the journey toward a sustainable city, a prosperous rural area, and a refined tourist city together with the citizens."
First, Goryeong County is steadily building a solid residential foundation that encourages young people to return and settle. The county is creating youth-friendly housing such as the Youth Rural Housing Complex, Youth Multi-purpose Return-to-Farm Town, and Millennium Architecture Pilot Village. It is also expanding the supply of youth rental housing and strengthening customized support policies that cover the entire life cycle, including marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing. In addition, the county is working to establish a youth entrepreneurship ecosystem through initiatives such as Deulseok Street, Youth Mall, and public rental housing linked to employment, aiming to make Goryeong a hub city for youth startups.
Second, Goryeong is pursuing various cultural heritage projects that highlight the identity of an ancient capital, with the goal of becoming Korea's leading historical and cultural tourism city. Projects include the construction of the Jisan-dong Tumuli Visitor Center and the restoration of the Yeonjoli Tumuli, both of which strengthen the image of the ancient capital. The county is also seeking national heritage designation for the Hapgari Pottery Kiln Site and planning to establish the National Daegaya Museum. Furthermore, by creating the 'Daegaya Forest of Light' and developing a leisure complex in the Geumsanjae area, Goryeong aims to complete its transformation into a stay-type tourist destination.
Third, efforts to enhance the competitiveness of rural areas and transition to smart agriculture are ongoing. The county is expanding lease-type smart farms and actively participating in government projects linked to green bio-industrialization facilities. Plans include establishing the Goryeong Strawberry Rural Convergence Industry District and developing a joint brand for local agricultural products to increase their added value. The county is also addressing labor shortages by operating an agricultural workforce bank, constructing dormitories for agricultural workers, and expanding agricultural machinery rental centers.
Fourth, Goryeong is accelerating the expansion of wide-area transportation networks and the development of industrial and logistics infrastructure. The county is working to attract a station for the Dalbit Railway in Goryeong and is enhancing regional accessibility through the construction of National Road No. 67 and the establishment of the Daegaya Hi-Pass IC. Urban development in the Gwakhon district, along with the creation of new industrial and logistics complexes, is expected to attract promising companies and lay the foundation for Goryeong to become an inland logistics hub.
Lastly, Goryeong County is focusing on inclusive welfare that supports the socially vulnerable, as well as expanding local healthcare and care systems. The county is strengthening welfare for the elderly by constructing new senior welfare centers and senior citizen centers, while continuously providing customized jobs for socially disadvantaged groups. By operating a rural visiting medical bus and introducing a village doctor system, the county is expanding outreach medical services to address gaps in local healthcare. In addition, the establishment of a hub-type care and education center in conjunction with the construction of the new Daegaya-eup government office is accelerating the creation of a complex space integrating care, education, and cultural functions.
Concluding his speech, Governor Lee emphasized, "The final year of the 8th administration will be a time to care even more warmly for the lives of our citizens. We will strive to make Goryeong a place where young people want to stay and a city that attracts global attention."
He added, "I trust in the strength of the citizens, public officials, and the Goryeong County Council, who are the most reliable partners in county administration, and I will continue to work together with them until the very end."
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