Mayor Joo Gwangdeok Visits Byeollae and Hopyeong Autumn Festivals
Engages with Citizens and Presents a Vision for a Citizen-Led Autonomous City
"Participation and Sharing Are Namyangju's Strength... I Will Walk Together with Citizens"
Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, visited the autumn festival venues to communicate directly with residents, once again emphasizing his commitment to "communication-focused administration centered on citizens."
On October 18, Mayor Joo attended a series of local festivals held in Byeollae-myeon and Hopyeong-dong, describing them as "sites of citizen-led autonomy" and presenting a vision for Namyangju's future in which residents and youth play a central role.
Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, attended the '2025 Byeollae-myeon Autumn Festival Hanmadang' event on the 18th and delivered a congratulatory speech. Provided by Namyangju City
◆ Byeollae-myeon Autumn Festival Hanmadang... "A Happy City Where We Walk, Enjoy, and Share Together"
On this day in Byeollae-myeon, the "2025 Byeollae-myeon Autumn Festival Hanmadang" was held with the participation of more than 700 people, including Mayor Joo Gwangdeok, local provincial and city council members, heads of local institutions and social organizations, and residents.
This festival, prepared jointly by the Byeollae-myeon Sports Association, Byeollae-myeon Residents' Autonomy Committee, and Byeollae-myeon Walking Federation to celebrate the fruitful autumn season, featured a variety of programs for all ages: Part 1 was a walking contest, Part 2 was a youth music festival, and Part 3 included a residents’ singing contest and congratulatory performances.
More than 700 people, including Mayor Joo Gwangdeok, local council members, heads of organizations, and residents, attended the festival, enjoying autumn and engaging in lively communication.
In particular, the Byeollae-myeon Village Leaders’ Association sold warm, lovingly made pancakes, with proceeds to be used as funds for a kimchi-sharing event for underprivileged groups during the winter, adding a sense of sharing to the festival.
In his congratulatory speech, Mayor Joo said, "At least for today, I hope everyone can forget the stresses of daily life and enjoy themselves as the main characters," adding, "I will spare no effort to ensure that Namyangju is a safe and enjoyable city for all residents."
Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, attended the "3rd Hopyeong-dong Residents' General Assembly & Village Festival" for resident communication and harmony in Hopyeong-dong on the 18th and gave a greeting. Provided by Namyangju City
◆ Hopyeong-dong Residents' General Assembly & Village Festival... "A Site of Citizen-Led Autonomy"
On the same day, the "3rd Hopyeong-dong Residents' General Assembly & Village Festival" was held successfully at Neureul Central Park in Hopyeong-dong.
The Hopyeong-dong Residents' Autonomy Association (headed by Kwon Sunwook) organizes the Residents' General Assembly, which is open to all local residents. It serves as a forum for discussing major local issues and autonomy plans, and for selecting community agendas. This year, the third assembly was held in conjunction with the village festival.
During the assembly, four community agendas discovered by residents themselves were presented: the Neureul Cherry Blossom Festival, the Four Seasons Hopyeong-dong Informer, the Clean Homancheon Project, and the installation of photo zones at Homancheon and Neureul Central Park. Through a resident vote, the Neureul Cherry Blossom Festival and the Clean Homancheon Project were selected as the final agendas.
The event also featured booths for hands-on experiences, exhibitions, sales, and food, providing diverse experiences for more than 3,000 residents. The program was further enriched by presentations from the Residents' Autonomy Center and celebratory performances by singers.
Mayor Joo said, "The participation of everyone here today has made this a true site of citizen-led autonomy," adding, "Such interest from residents will drive innovation in Namyangju as we move toward an era where citizens are at the center of the city."
Joo Kwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, attended the "2nd Byeollae-myeon Youth Music Festival" on the 18th and is taking a commemorative photo with the participants. Provided by Namyangju City
◆ "Byeollae-myeon Youth Music Festival" with Local Youth
On the same day, at the "2nd Byeollae-myeon Youth Music Festival," local youth took the lead in planning and running the event, embodying Namyangju's spirit of "cultural autonomy."
This event was designed to provide local youth with opportunities to participate in a variety of cultural activities and to promote voluntary participation and growth. By planning and preparing the stage themselves, the youth aimed to develop cultural sensitivity, autonomy, and a sense of responsibility as members of the community.
More than 40 youth from Byeollae-myeon participated as band and dance performance teams, taking charge of all aspects of the event-from stage composition and hosting to volunteering-demonstrating youth-led operation throughout.
The performances were held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring not only dance and band performances by youth but also calligraphy and invited performances, offering a diverse program. Six teams took the stage and received enthusiastic applause for their passionate performances.
Mayor Joo said, "This youth music festival is especially meaningful because it is the result of youth planning and participation, a true achievement of cultural autonomy," adding, "The city will actively support stages where citizens can fully express themselves through cultural and artistic activities to realize greater happiness for all."
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