Alley Economy 119, Seo-gu Honors, and More
Seo-gu, Gwangju participated in the "2025 National Assembly Legislative Expo" held at the Central Lawn Plaza of the National Assembly from September 23 to 24, introducing key policies that have a tangible impact on residents.
On the 23rd, Seo-gu, Gwangju attended the "National Assembly Legislative Expo" held at the Central Lawn Plaza of the National Assembly with the theme "A Path Opened by Public Participation, A Future Opened by Legislation," showcasing Seo-gu's excellent policies such as the designation of the first nationwide neighborhood-type shopping district, Seo-gu Honors, and the Thousand-Won Companionship. Provided by Seo-gu, Gwangju
This expo, held under the slogan "A Path Opened by Public Participation, A Future Opened by Legislation," addressed three major agendas that are urgent issues in Korean society: overcoming the climate crisis, responding to regional extinction, and revitalizing the local economy. More than 10,000 participants attended, including officials from the National Assembly, the government, local governments, public institutions, and civic groups.
Seo-gu showcased its "Alley Economy 119 Project," which designated all 119 neighborhoods in its administrative area as neighborhood-type shopping districts, the first such initiative nationwide. Instead of relying on local currency, which can burden local government budgets, Seo-gu actively utilized the Onnuri Gift Certificate infrastructure, which is fully funded by the central government, to stimulate consumption and revitalize the local economy. This approach has attracted significant attention from other local governments.
The achievements of "Seo-gu Honors," a high-value donor group, were also shared. Launched in November last year, Seo-gu Honors has been at the forefront of addressing welfare blind spots excluded from public assistance. Within just one year, it has attracted 100 members and secured pledges totaling over 3.3 billion won, drawing considerable attention.
Additionally, Seo-gu's customized welfare initiatives-such as supporting visits to maternal grandparents’ homes for multicultural families, providing rest allowances for elderly people who collect waste paper, and hosting joint weddings for couples with disabilities-have promoted a culture of sharing and solidarity, earning Seo-gu the reputation of a "kind city" and generating a strong nationwide response.
Seo-gu also highlighted other outstanding welfare practices, including the first-ever "Youth and Young Adult Family Caregiver Support Ordinance" and the "Thousand-Won Taxi" program, which guarantees transportation rights for those with mobility challenges, emphasizing the potential for these policies to be adopted more widely.
Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seo-gu, stated, "Through this expo, we were able to promote Seo-gu's alley economy model and resident-centered welfare policies nationwide," adding, "We will continue to develop effective policies that improve daily life and work to spread them across the country."
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