The 42nd Gyeongnam Residents' Day ceremony was held on the afternoon of October 14, 2025, at the special stage in front of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office.
This year's ceremony, held under the theme "A Happy Gyeongnam Moving Forward with Residents," brought together over 2,000 residents, the heads of 18 cities and counties within the province, and the official mascots of each local government.
The 42nd Gyeongnam Residents' Day ceremony was held at the special stage in front of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
The attendees shared the achievements of economic growth and improved quality of life in Gyeongnam since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, and pledged to make new strides forward.
They also enjoyed integrated cultural and experiential events, jointly organized by all cities and counties near the stage, further emphasizing the significance of regional cooperation and unity.
During the ceremony, representatives of residents who have brought honor to Gyeongnam took the stage to recite the Residents' Charter.
The recitation included: Baek Minju, a silver medalist at the Asian Cadet Taekwondo Championships and a student at Jeongdong Elementary School in Sacheon; Lee Hyosong, the youngest champion on the JLPGA Tour and a member of Hana Financial Group; Ahn Taehyun, a senior engineer at Samsung Heavy Industries who was named a Korea Master in 2025; Yang Kyungwon, a firefighter and Heart Saver award recipient; and Lee Youngchan, a descendant of the late independence activist Lee Jangwoo.
At the 42nd Gyeongnam Residents' Day Ceremony, the recipients of the 'Proud Gyeongnam Citizen Award' are taking a commemorative photo with Governor Park Wansu (center). Provided by Gyeongnam Province
For the first time this year, the "Proud Gyeongnam Citizen Award" ceremony was held, honoring a total of 10 individuals across five categories: economy, culture·arts·sports, social contribution, good deeds·filial piety·family, and veterans affairs.
In the economy category, Moon Suho, president of Jinju Sugok Agricultural Cooperative; Park Jaedong, CEO of Dongmyeong Foods; and Bang Hyochul, CEO of Samwoo Metal Industry, were selected.
In the culture·arts·sports category, Park Hangseo, vice president of the Korea Football Association, and Jo Dolsun, head of the Hamyang County branch of the Gyeongnam Association for the Visually Impaired, received awards.
In the social contribution category, Kim Taemyung, chairman of Rivera Tourism Development; Oh Chungil, chairman of Hyundai Precision; and Ha Chungsik, chairman of Hanmaum International Medical Foundation, were honored.
In the good deeds·filial piety·family category, Kim Youngsim, a member of the Changseon-myeon Committee of the Living Right Movement, was selected, while Kang Inho, former head of the Gyeongnam branch of the Korea Vietnam Veterans' Association, was chosen in the veterans affairs category.
Following the ceremony, a music concert featured performances by Son Bina, a trot singer from Hadong; Jeong Seojoo, a second-generation resident from Namhae; the Tongyeong Blue Wave Women's Choir, winners of the Gyeongnam Arts Festival Choir Competition; HUSH, winners of the Gyeongsangnam-do Youth Festival dance category; HUE, winners of the Gyeongnam Performing Arts Competition; and Park Haewon, winner of the Youth Busking Competition.
At the 42nd Gyeongnam Residents' Day commemorative ceremony, Governor Park Wansu delivered a commemorative speech. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
At the ceremony, Governor Park Wansu stated, "I am proud of our Gyeongnam and always have a sense of pride as a Gyeongnam resident."
He emphasized, "Historically, Gyeongnam has been at the center of the nation, leading the way in overcoming national crises, industrial development, and democratization. It is a region we can be proud of."
He continued, "The past three years of the 8th popularly elected administration have been a time of passion for Gyeongnam and its residents. Gyeongnam's trade balance has recorded an unprecedented surplus for 36 consecutive months, or three years. The employment rate has also improved significantly, and investment attraction has reached an all-time high."
He added, "These achievements are the result of the efforts, sweat, and passion of 3.3 million residents. Although there have been many trials and disasters this year, our residents have united to overcome them and move forward with hope."
Governor Park said, "Even when society and the nation are in turmoil, Gyeongnam will remain steadfast as always and create hope for the country. Gyeongnam will become a region that is proud, coexisting, rational, and integrated."
He further stated, "Let us unite our strength and hearts so that Gyeongnam can once again become the center of Korea and create hope for the nation. Gyeongnam Province will take the lead in opening up such hope."
At the 42nd Gyeongnam Residents' Day Commemoration Ceremony, representatives of residents who have illuminated Gyeongnam and key guests are performing the commemorative ceremony performance. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
"Gyeongnam Residents' Day" commemorates the relocation of the provincial government office from Busan to Changwon in 1983, when Busan was elevated to a directly governed city and separated from Gyeongnam, as well as the opening of the 63rd National Sports Festival in Gyeongnam from October 14 to 19 of that year.
The following year, Gyeongnam Province enacted an ordinance designating October 14 as "Gyeongnam Residents' Day" each year.
However, five days before the first ceremony, the Aung San Mausoleum bombing incident occurred, leading to the event's cancellation. For years afterward, no special events were held, and the ordinance was abolished in November 1993, resulting in the discontinuation of Residents' Day.
After Governor Park Wansu took office as the 8th popularly elected governor, the province sought to reestablish residents' identity and pride by enacting a new ordinance 30 years after its abolition, thereby reinstating Gyeongnam Residents' Day.
The ordinance provides grounds for allocating budgets to hold commemorative, cultural, artistic, and sports events on Residents' Day, and for exempting or discounting admission and usage fees for public facilities operated by the province.
The ordinance passed the provincial council in September 2023, and Gyeongnam Province now commemorates Residents' Day again, considering 1983 as its inaugural year.
Starting this year, Gyeongnam Province will designate October 11 to 17 as "Residents' Day Week" each year, and plans to host a variety of cultural, artistic performances, exhibitions, and experiential events at the provincial government office and in all 18 cities and counties.
Through these efforts, the province aims to expand residents' opportunities to enjoy culture and to promote the development of local arts and culture.
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