Gimcheon Mayor Baek Nakho: "The Answer Lies in the Field... Administration Is Complete When Citizens Truly Feel It"

Baek Nakho Marks 100 Days in Office
'Field-Centered Administration'
Driving New Changes in Gimcheon

"Real administration does not begin at the desk, but alongside the citizens. The core of administration is the people, and the answer is always found in the field."

Baek Nakho, Mayor of Gimcheon City, is being interviewed by a reporter from Asia Economy on the 8th. Asia Economy DB

Baek Nakho, Mayor of Gimcheon City, summarized his philosophy of municipal administration in this way as he marked his 100th day in office. Having taken office as the head of Gimcheon City through a by-election in April, he spent the past 100 days traveling across Gimcheon, visiting various sites closely related to citizens' daily lives. Observers note that these were not just simple site visits, but practical efforts to realize "administration that citizens can truly feel."

◆ "You need to know the field to see the solution"... 100 days since inauguration,

Placing 'people' at the center of city administration, Mayor Baek stated, "The core of the 8th popularly elected administration is 'field-centered administration,'" and emphasized, "Genuine policies can only be created by directly seeing, hearing, and experiencing what citizens need on site."

Among the sites he visited, the traditional Hanok accommodation complex near Jikjisa Temple left the strongest impression. Mayor Baek said, "Despite the heat wave, I personally inspected the site wearing a safety helmet, and requested a meticulous design that preserves the unique charm of Gimcheon while ensuring comfort for both citizens and tourists." This accommodation complex is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting Gimcheon's stay-type tourism in the future.

◆ Integrated Health Town, the 'core axis' of Gimcheon old downtown regeneration

The Integrated Health Town project, which Gimcheon City is currently focusing on, is drawing attention not only as an infrastructure project for health and welfare, but also as a key initiative to revitalize the stagnant old downtown area.

Mayor Baek explained, "The area around Pyeonghwa Namsan-dong used to be a thriving commercial district centered around Gimcheon Station, but after major public institutions relocated, urban hollowing out became a serious issue." He continued, "By concentrating various health functions such as a public health center, dementia relief center, and mental health welfare center, we aim to create a turning point not only for citizens' health but also for revitalizing the local economy." The Integrated Health Town is being steadily pursued with the goal of completion in the first half of 2026.

◆ "A city where it is good to give birth and raise children"... Expansion of the public postpartum care center

In response to the era of low birth rates, Mayor Baek is also accelerating efforts to strengthen welfare infrastructure to make Gimcheon a city where it is good to give birth and raise children. The public postpartum care center, operated by Gimcheon Medical Center, has received strong support from mothers for its high-quality services and affordable fees.

To meet the increasing demand, the city will invest a total project cost of 8.5 billion won to expand the postpartum care center to a two-story building with a total floor area of 1,200 square meters. The plan is to create a comprehensive space that covers everything from childbirth to childcare, fully equipped with a parking lot, mother-child room, breastfeeding room, and infant room.

◆ "Culture is the face of a city"... Cultural and Arts Center,

Reborn as the heart of Gimcheon culture The Gimcheon Cultural and Arts Center, which has symbolized the cultural pride of Gimcheon citizens for more than 30 years, is currently undergoing a major renovation to transform it into a central space for citizens to enjoy culture. This renovation, with a total investment of 19.5 billion won, is a complete overhaul that goes far beyond simple repairs.

The number of stage curtain hangers, previously only 10, will be increased to 43, and the latest sound and stage equipment will be installed, turning the center into a multi-purpose cultural space capable of hosting large-scale performances.

Mayor Baek stated, "The Arts Center is not just a performance venue, but a symbolic space that elevates the dignity of Gimcheon," and added, "We will create it as an 'open cultural space' where all citizens, including people with disabilities and the elderly, can conveniently enjoy culture."

◆ "The answer to policy is in the field... I will match the citizens' perspective"

At the end of the interview, Mayor Baek said, "All policies in Gimcheon exist for the purpose of improving the quality of life for citizens," and added, "I will continue to meet citizens face-to-face in the field and reflect truly necessary policies in city administration."

He continued, "Gimcheon stands at a crossroads of change. I will prepare for the next 100 years of Gimcheon's future together with the citizens," and promised, "I will practice administration that walks together with citizens without losing my original intention."