Mayor Choi Woncheol: "The Power of a City Lies in Its Resident Population... The Key Is the Three-Pronged Strategy of Industry, Education, and Culture"
Gongju City in South Chungcheong Province drew attention from domestic and international stakeholders by presenting its strategy to address local extinction through the expansion of the resident population at the Korea-Japan Joint Seminar. Gongju's unique urban strategy has yielded tangible results, even amid the population decline crisis.
On October 14, the city announced that it had participated in the 16th Korea-Japan Joint Seminar, held at the International Conference Hall of the Bankers Club in Seoul, and delivered a keynote speech titled "Overcoming Local Extinction and the Population Crisis! Gongju City's Efforts to Expand the Resident Population."
This event was co-hosted by the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration and the Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations. Local government officials from both countries, representatives from the Korea Tourism Organization, and heads of local governments attended to discuss strategies for responding to the crisis of local extinction and revitalizing international exchange.
During his speech, Mayor Choi Woncheol stated, "Despite the nationwide challenge of population decline, Gongju City is leaping forward as a sustainable city by expanding its resident population. We are increasing the number of people staying in the city through integrated policies in culture, tourism, industry, and education."
He explained, "Last year, Gongju's resident population reached 7.79 million, ranking first in South Chungcheong Province and third nationwide. This figure shows that many people visit Gongju not only as registered residents but also for commuting, studying, tourism, and business purposes."
Gongju is an educational city with 55 elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as two universities. The city is currently implementing the 'Industry-Education-Culture Three-Pronged Strategy' based on its historical and cultural assets as the former capital of the Baekje Kingdom.
Mayor Choi emphasized, "Our goal is to make Gongju a city where young people choose to stay and where citizens feel a strong sense of pride."
He cited specific examples such as the 'Onnuri Gongju Citizen System,' the 'Royal City Center Revitalization Project,' the designation as a 'Specialized Night Tourism City,' and the expansion of rural experience tourism, explaining, "These policies are laying the foundation for enhancing settlement and revitalizing the region."
Mayor Choi also highlighted the need to expand cultural and tourism exchanges with Japan, stating, "Gongju, as the central city of the Baekje Cultural Sphere, has a deep historical connection with Japan. We will seek practical cooperation measures, such as joint development of cultural exchange and tourism routes between the two countries."
He proposed the establishment of a Korea-Japan Cultural Exchange Center, attracting a branch of the Japan Foundation's Public Information and Cultural Center to Gongju, and inviting Japanese state guests to the 'Great Baekje Exhibition,' saying, "Gongju will become a new hub city for Korea-Japan cultural diplomacy."
He further emphasized, "Local extinction is not just a regional issue but a matter that determines the nation's future. Gongju will continue to build a sustainable urban model where the resident population increases and both young people and citizens grow together."
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