Citizens of Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province selected the activation of the local currency, Bucheon Pay, as the city's top policy initiative.
According to Bucheon City on October 16, a total of 3,300 citizens participated both online and offline in the 'BEST of BEST Cases' vote during the 'Innovation and Proactive Administration Excellence Case Exhibition' held from September 26 to October 1. As a result, the Bucheon Pay policy received 10.9% of the votes, making it the most preferred policy among citizens for the second consecutive year.
Last year, the city issued 223.3 billion won in local currency, exceeding its target by 112%, and this year aims to issue the largest amount ever. To achieve this, the city implemented measures such as the 'Visiting Application' for livelihood recovery consumption coupons, operation of 'pop-up counters,' and lifting the registration restrictions for Bucheon Pay merchants at eight large-scale stores. Additionally, the city promoted events to encourage coexistence with local small businesses and stimulate consumption, thereby working to revitalize the local commercial district.
As of last month, the number of Bucheon Pay affiliated merchants stood at 25,315. Respondents requested an expansion of the merchant network and increased cashback and point accumulation benefits.
Citizens also selected the 'Bucheon-Style Integrated Care' policy (9.34%) as the second most popular initiative. This system provides customized integrated support for daily life, healthcare, and residential safety services, enabling seniors with mobility difficulties to enjoy a healthy life at home. It is the first in the nation to establish a collaborative home-visit medical system between Western and Korean medicine.
For seniors facing complex challenges such as dementia and chronic diseases, a total of 15 services are offered, including care plugs, meals, cleaning, and companionship. Citizens suggested expanding the target group and introducing a real-time remote monitoring system.
Citizens of Bucheon are voting for the 'BEST of BEST Cases' on the policy tree set up at the 'Innovation and Excellence Case Exhibition.' Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province
The third highest number of votes went to 'Attracting Bucheon Science High School' (9.31%). The city converted a general high school into a science high school, reducing both budget and time, and succeeded in attracting the school through a differentiated strategy that leverages Bucheon's strengths in robotics and cultural arts.
The city plans to nurture creative and convergent talent at Bucheon Science High School, which is scheduled to open in March 2027, and to create an environment where talent and companies grow together through industry-academia cooperation with four local universities. Respondents emphasized the importance of equal educational opportunities and the establishment of programs connecting education with local industries.
Next, 'Expansion of Public Parking Lots and Free Daytime Access to Resident Priority Parking Lots' (7.64%) was selected as the fourth best policy. Without allocating additional budget, the city opened 7,592 spaces across 340 resident priority parking lots for free daytime use by anyone, and created 2,012 new parking spaces by constructing 50 new public parking lots.
Other policies recognized by citizens as outstanding include the introduction of voucher taxis and 'Mom-Friendly Taxis' for transportation-vulnerable groups; nighttime opening of Supia at Bucheon Lake Botanical Garden and the creation of Bucheon Luminarae (media art within the natural ecology park) to expand green relaxation spaces; the opening of the Seohae Line (Sosa~Daegok) and plans to begin construction of the GTX-B and Daejang-Hongdae lines to establish an extensive railway network; and attracting anchor companies such as Korean Air, SK Green Techno Campus, and DN Solutions to the Bucheon Daejang Urban High-Tech Industrial Complex, with investments totaling 2.6 trillion won.
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