"Seomseomon-dang" Wins Excellence Award
for Improving Living Infrastructure for Island Residents
Yeosu City, South Jeolla Province (Mayor Chung Kimyung), announced on the 3rd that it received the Minister's Award (Excellence Award) at the "2025 Public Service Design Performance Sharing Conference" hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 1st.
This conference focused on public service design projects promoted by central government agencies and local governments. Through the first round of written evaluations, 35 projects were selected, and Yeosu City ranked first nationwide in the second round, which was an online public vote.
Yeosu City received the Minister's Award at the "2025 Public Service Design Performance Sharing Conference" hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 1st. Provided by Yeosu City
In the subsequent expert review, Yeosu was selected as one of the top 10 outstanding projects, and ultimately received the Excellence Award (Minister of the Interior and Safety Award) through an on-site presentation review held at the Government Sejong Complex.
The award-winning project, "Seomseomon-dang (You Who Came to the Island)," is a service design model that reflects the needs of island residents who face isolation and disconnection due to aging populations and a lack of essential infrastructure.
This is the first case in Korea where residents directly participated with public service designers to identify problems, enhance the value of islands through exchanges between the mainland and the islands, and explore preservation strategies.
Beginning with the launch of the National Design Team in April, the city carried out in-depth field research, idea workshops, and the Seomseomon-dang launch event, working together with residents to develop practical solutions.
Experts positively evaluated the project for its user-centered approach, operation of programs in collaboration with local organizations, and the establishment of step-by-step services.
The city plans to operate the program in connection with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo and to further strengthen collaboration with related organizations and volunteer groups to expand the "Seomseomon-dang" model nationwide.
A city official stated, "Yeosu's 365 beautiful islands became the starting point for this project," and added, "We ask for the interest and support of our citizens so that islands can become more than just places to live, but can continue as sustainable values."
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