10 Years Since Jeonggwan-eup's Elevation in Gijang County, Busan: From Rural Area to Premier New City

Gijang County Pledges a New Leap Forward

Jeonggwan-eup in Gijang County, Busan, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its elevation.

The past decade of Jeonggwan, which began as the rural area of Jeonggwan-myeon and has since grown into a premier new city representing the eastern Busan region, was commemorated in a single gathering.

On October 17, Gijang County held the "10th Anniversary Ceremony of Jeonggwan-eup's Elevation" at Jeonggwan Central Park, celebrating the region's growth and transformation together with more than 300 local residents.

The event featured a variety of programs, including a promotional video screening, a progress report, award presentations, a calligraphy performance, and a choir performance. Attendees included Mayor Jung Jongbok, Park Hongbok, Chairman of the Gijang County Council, members of the Busan Metropolitan Council, and representatives from various organizations in Jeonggwan-eup.

Jung Jongbok, the mayor of Gijang County, is delivering a commemorative speech at the 10th anniversary ceremony of Seungkwan-eup's elevation. Photo by Gijang County

Jeonggwan-eup was elevated from Jeonggwan-myeon on September 23, 2015. At that time, the population was around 5,000, but it has since surged to approximately 78,000. With a high proportion of young residents, Jeonggwan once recorded the highest birth rate in the country. Today, it has established itself as an urban-type eup, consisting of 10 legal villages and 56 administrative districts.

The city's infrastructure has also rapidly expanded. Jwagwangcheon was designated as Busan's first "local garden," and the "Jeonggwan Ecological Stream Learning and Culture Festival," in which residents actively participate, was selected as Busan's top festival and has grown into a signature local event.

Gijang County plans to accelerate infrastructure improvements by strengthening generation-specific childcare and welfare policies, attracting the Jeonggwan Line of the urban railway, and expanding the transportation network.

Mayor Jung Jongbok stated, "The past 10 years since Jeonggwan-eup's elevation have been a very meaningful period for the overall development of Gijang County," adding, "We will use this 10th anniversary as a new starting point for further progress."