Proving Gijang's Status as a Sustainable "Growth City"
Gijang County in Busan has been selected as the 'Best Institution' in the nationwide regional competitiveness analysis conducted to mark the 30th anniversary of local autonomy.
Notably, Gijang County ranked first among all counties nationwide in the population competitiveness category, earning recognition as the "number one city for growth potential."
On July 16, Gijang County received a certification plaque at the "Regional Competitiveness Best Institution Certification Ceremony" held at the Air Force Hotel in Seoul. This evaluation was organized by the Korea Institute of Public Autonomy and was based on accumulated data from the Korea Local Autonomy Competitiveness Index (KLCI), which has been conducted annually since 1996.
Busan Gijang County is taking a commemorative photo after being selected as the 'Best Institution' in the 30-year local autonomy performance evaluation. Provided by Gijang County
The evaluation measured competitiveness by analyzing changes over the past 30 years, from 1995 to 2025, in five areas for local governments nationwide: population, finance, regional economy, health and culture, and environmental safety. Gijang County ranked first nationwide among counties in the "population competitiveness" category.
An official from Gijang County stated, "Our multifaceted policies to improve residential conditions have led to long-term population retention and growth," adding, "The core tasks of the eighth popularly elected administration are now yielding tangible results."
In practice, Gijang County has focused on establishing a foundation for population inflow by creating a radiation medical and science convergence cluster, promoting the Gijang and Jeonggwan urban railway lines, and building an Education Happiness Town. In addition, the county has set the creation of a virtuous cycle between 'advanced industry and residential infrastructure' as a key strategy.
County Governor Jeong Jongbok said, "This is a meaningful outcome in which Gijang County's growth potential has been officially recognized by external parties," and added, "Together with our residents, we will further elevate Gijang's status as a city opening the future."
Last year, Gijang County also ranked first among counties in the management performance category and third in the overall competitiveness category in the Korea Local Autonomy Competitiveness Index evaluation. Through these results, Gijang County is recognized as having an advantage in both policy effectiveness and administrative competitiveness.
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