Andong City Wins Grand Prize for Local Autonomy Development

Designation as Three Special Zones and National Industrial Complex
Proving a Model for Growth in the Era of Local Governance

Andong City has been officially recognized as a leading city in the development of local autonomy in Korea.

Kwon Ki-chang, mayor of Andong (fourth from the left), is taking a commemorative photo with officials after receiving the 2025 Korea Local Autonomy Development Award.

On the 23rd, Andong City received the grand prize in the basic local government category at the '2025 Korea Local Autonomy Development Awards Ceremony' hosted by the Korea Institute for Local Autonomy Development, which operates under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Now in its ninth year, this award is presented to organizations that have achieved outstanding results in local autonomy based on creative administration and unique regional resources.

Since the launch of the eighth popularly elected administration, Andong City has put forward "Great Citizens, New Andong" as its municipal vision. It has emerged as a model case for local autonomy by becoming the first city in the country to be designated as a Special Opportunity Development Zone, a Special Education Development Zone, and a Culture City of Korea.

Additionally, Andong has strengthened its global competitiveness through major achievements such as the designation of the Andong Bio Life National Industrial Complex, securing a National Advanced Strategic Bio Industry Specialized Complex, becoming the first in Korea to achieve all three UNESCO categories, and being selected as both a Culture City of Korea and an East Asia Culture City.

The city has also received high praise for implementing policies closely tied to daily life that enhance the quality of life for its citizens, such as creating barefoot walking trails, expanding park golf courses, and providing academic encouragement grants for university students.

Kwon Ki-chang, mayor of Andong, stated, "This award is the result of the joint efforts of our citizens and public officials," adding, "We will continue to create changes that citizens can truly feel and make Andong a city where everyone is happy."

With this award as a stepping stone, Andong City plans to establish itself as a role model for local autonomy nationwide by advancing as a global hub for the bio industry, promoting sustainable growth using water resources and regional characteristics, and strengthening community-centered administrative innovation.

Andong is a rare example of a city that has secured all three special zones. This award is significant not just as a tally of achievements, but as a demonstration of the direction for urban development in the era of local governance.