Gwangju Dong-gu announced on October 15 that it had received the Excellence Award (Minister of the Interior and Safety Award) in the Regional Revitalization category at the 21st Korea Local Autonomy Management Competition (2025).
The Korea Local Autonomy Management Competition, co-hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and Hankook Ilbo and supported by five central government ministries including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, is a competition that discovers and shares creative and outstanding policies of local governments nationwide. This year, excellent cases were selected in five categories, including ▲regional revitalization, ▲local price stabilization, and ▲support for local youth.
At this year's competition, Dong-gu was the only one among Gwangju's five autonomous districts to receive an award for its "People-Centered Humanities City, Gwangju Dong-gu" policy, which was highly praised for restoring the city's identity and improving residents' quality of life.
In 2018, Dong-gu became the first in the country to establish a dedicated department for humanities policy and has since implemented "people-centered administration that prioritizes the value of life and happiness." The district established an institutional foundation by enacting the "Ordinance on the Creation of a Humanities City" and formulating the "Humanities City Guidelines." Dong-gu continues to promote resident-led humanities programs such as ▲Reading Dong-gu, ▲Dong-gu Humanities School, ▲Humanities Walking Trail, ▲Mudeungsan Humanities Festival, and ▲Elderly Autobiography Writing.
The flagship project, "Dong-gu Humanities School," transformed a modern house that was at risk of demolition into a community exchange and learning space, earning the Presidential Award (Grand Prize) at the 2023 Korea Spatial Culture Awards. In addition, through the "Reading Dong-gu" initiative, more than 15,000 residents have participated in reading activities, and voluntary humanities activities such as humanities colleges, academies, and clubs are thriving. As a result, Dong-gu is establishing itself as a "city of reading culture, communication, and solidarity."
Lim Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, stated, "This award is the result of integrating humanistic values throughout our administration and a precious achievement made together with our residents," adding, "We will continue to build a warm humanities city in Dong-gu, where all generations are respected and happiness becomes a part of daily life."
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