Uijeongbu City Marks Three Years of Change in Ipseok Village
Assessing Achievements in Residential Environment Improvement
Solidarity Between Citizens and Administration
A Model Case of "Urban Regeneration for Citizen Safety"
From Enhanced Sec
In October 2022, Ipseok Village in the Ganeung-dong area of Uijeongbu City drew nationwide attention. The temporary residence of Kim Geunsik, a convicted sex offender, was designated in this area, plunging the village into extreme anxiety and anger. This was because elementary schools, child facilities, and facilities for people with disabilities were densely located within a one-kilometer radius.
Kim Donggeun, mayor of Uijeongbu, is inspecting the changed appearance of Ipseok Village in the Ganeung-dong area together with residents on the 3rd anniversary of the improvement of the residential environment on the 16th. Provided by Uijeongbu City
Uijeongbu City responded immediately. The city issued an emergency administrative order to control the road in front of the rehabilitation facility and set up a temporary office to oversee the site. At the same time, the city strongly demanded the government withdraw the residence decision. Residents also voluntarily held rallies and signature campaigns.
Ultimately, the government withdrew its decision to allow the residence.
Since that day, Ipseok Village has been known as "the village protected by its citizens." However, Uijeongbu City did not stop there. Moving beyond the crisis, the city undertook fundamental improvements to the residential environment.
The path from crisis to stability was not easy. Uijeongbu City went beyond simple crisis management and established the "Ipseok Village Comprehensive Residential Environment Improvement Plan."
The key was collaborative governance created together with citizens.
The city operated the "Ipseok Village Residents' Council," led by the deputy mayor. The council consisted of 24 members: 12 local residents, 11 heads of relevant departments, and one expert. Based on this, the city developed practical action plans that reflected actual needs.
The city listened directly to residents' daily inconveniences and safety concerns and incorporated their feedback into urban planning.
Kim Donggeun, mayor of Uijeongbu, is inspecting the changed appearance of Ipseok Village in the Ganeung-dong area together with residents on the 3rd anniversary of the improvement of the residential environment on the 16th. Provided by Uijeongbu City
The three-year improvement project was divided into "strengthening safety," "improving the living environment," and "restoring the community."
In terms of safety, 15 new CCTVs equipped with intelligent monitoring systems were installed, along with 36 pedestrian lights and 11 streetlights. The "Ipseok Village Night Starlight Patrol," in which residents participate directly, was also expanded, further enhancing the sense of safety in the community.
For living environment improvements, the city installed cameras to monitor illegal parking, addressed illegal dumping of waste and unauthorized advertisements, and pruned street trees, significantly improving the village landscape.
Improvements in mobility were also notable. At the end of last year, a 340-meter section of urban planning road connecting Jungwon School to the Ipseok Village Community Center was completed, resolving the longstanding issue of a narrow access road that had caused inconvenience to residents. The newly installed streetlights also improved pedestrian safety at night.
In addition, local cultural events such as the cherry blossom festival have strengthened the cohesion of the community.
On October 16, 2025, Uijeongbu City marked the third anniversary of the residential environment improvement in Ipseok Village, Ganeung-dong, by inspecting the transformed village together with residents. Mayor Kim Donggeun, city officials, and about 10 residents walked from the Korea Rehabilitation Agency Gyeonggi Northern Branch to the Ipseok Village Community Center, checking the progress of the projects on site.
The city is currently expanding its security network by introducing an intelligent selective monitoring system to the existing 24 CCTVs and is pursuing follow-up projects that reflect residents' opinions.
Mayor Kim Donggeun stated, "Ipseok Village is a community protected by its citizens in a moment of crisis, and the changes since then are also precious results achieved together with the citizens. We will continue to do our best to improve the residential environment, enhance safety in daily life, and improve the quality of life for our citizens."
The transformation of Ipseok Village is regarded as more than just urban maintenance; it is seen as a symbol of collaborative governance created by citizens and the administration working together. Having transformed from a space of crisis to a site of trust and cooperation, Ipseok Village is expected to become a leading model for collaborative governance in Uijeongbu City.
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