Mayor Lee Jangwoo: "Daejeon's Population Sees Net Inflow Increase for Five Consecutive Months"

"Evidence That Quality of Life Has Improved and the City's Appeal Has Grown"
Daejeon-Chungnam Administrative Capital Special Act Proposed in National Assembly
"A Key Task for Balanced Development and Decentralization"

Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon (Photo by Daejeon City)

Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon, stated, "Daejeon's population has seen a net increase for five consecutive months," adding, "This is evidence that the quality of life has improved and the city's appeal has grown."

On October 1, during an expanded executive meeting attended by department heads and heads of affiliated organizations, Mayor Lee made these remarks and, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, called for thorough inspections and on-site response systems that prioritize the lives and safety of citizens above all else.

Mayor Lee noted, "As seen in the recent fire at the National Information Resources Service, carelessness can lead to major disruption," and instructed, "Please strengthen preemptive inspections of public institutions, urban infrastructure, pharmaceutical storage facilities, and fire-prone sites."

He also highly praised the continued increase in Daejeon's population last month and commended the hard work of public officials.

Mayor Lee emphasized, "This is more than just a number; it is proof that the quality of life has improved and the city's attractiveness has increased," expressing his gratitude to public officials and urging, "Let us further enhance citizens' satisfaction through better policy decisions and swift implementation."

From May of this year through last month, Daejeon has recorded a net population inflow for five consecutive months, marking a clear turning point after 12 years of continuous population decline.

Photo by Daejeon City Provided

Mayor Lee remarked, "The quality of a city is determined by quality of life, jobs, safety, and cultural infrastructure, rather than simply by population numbers," and stressed, "Daejeon must firmly establish itself as a youth-friendly city and a place where citizens feel safe."

In this regard, he highlighted the strong response from citizens to the Daejeon Gapcheon Ecological Lake Park, which was completed after 19 years, and ordered improvements for any shortcomings.

Mayor Lee said, "More than 10,000 people attended the opening ceremony of Daejeon Gapcheon Ecological Lake Park, which featured a concert and various events, receiving a great response from citizens. In particular, the noticeable participation of young families with strollers confirmed new demand and satisfaction for urban parks."

He added, "As for the children's playground, it seems to be somewhat dark at night, which could raise safety concerns among children, women, and parents," and issued immediate instructions to enhance safety measures.

He also mentioned his recent visits to local traditional markets, stating, "As the city becomes more vibrant, there have been positive effects such as the revitalization of traditional markets. With the leadership of market merchant associations and the city's budget support, traditional markets can be fully competitive." He ordered improvements to systems for maintenance and cleaning, as well as repairs of arcade facilities and other infrastructure.

Photo by Daejeon City Provided

Additionally, he instructed improvements to address malfunction issues with the public bicycle service Tashu and to review the installation of Tashu stations on campuses in consultation with schools. He also directed enhancements to lighting in children's parks and arboretum landscaping facilities, reinforcement of safety measures during morning exercise hours, and improvements to roads and parking lots in the old downtown area, including reviewing the establishment of parking lots near Hanbat Stadium.

Regarding the Daejeon-Chungnam Administrative Capital Special Act, which was proposed in the National Assembly on September 30, Mayor Lee explained the rationale that "adjacent areas of Chungnam essentially share living, economic, and transportation spheres with Daejeon," and stated, "We will actively respond to future discussions in the National Assembly." He emphasized, "We must make this a key task for balanced development and decentralization, and unite our efforts."