Gwangju City received the grand prize at the ‘2025 Active Administration Best Practices Competition’ for its investigative model aimed at eradicating real estate speculation by agricultural corporations. The city received the highest evaluation nationwide for its achievement in uncovering substantial tax sources through the integration of local tax and administrative information.
On the 27th, at the ‘2025 Active Administration Best Practices Competition’ held at the Government Sejong Complex, a Gwangju city official is taking a commemorative photo after receiving the grand prize (Presidential Award). Provided by Gwangju City
On the previous day, Gwangju City was awarded the Presidential Award in the finals of the Active Administration Best Practices Competition held at the Government Sejong Complex. The award was personally presented by Prime Minister Kim Minseok. The competition was co-hosted by the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Ministry of Personnel Management. Out of 140 cases submitted by local governments across the country, six advanced to the finals. The final evaluation was determined by combining the scores from a public jury, online voting, and private sector experts.
Gwangju City submitted as its representative case the ‘Eradication of Real Estate Speculation by Agricultural Corporations and Expansion of Local Finances through Local Tax Data Integration’. The city established, for the first time in the nation, a system that integrates and analyzes local tax assessment data, agricultural corporation management information, corporate financial statements, farmland direct payment records, land registers, and aerial photographs. Using this system, the city conducted a comprehensive investigation of 983 local agricultural corporations. As a result, it uncovered and collected 10.6 billion won in tax sources and demanded administrative measures, such as dissolution orders, against 74 corporations engaged in real estate business.
The city also received high marks for developing a new analytical technique in collaboration with local tax officials to address the agricultural corporation sector, which had been a blind spot in management. This investigative model was also recommended as a best practice during this year’s National Assembly audit by the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee.
To expand these achievements nationwide, Gwangju City proposed legislative improvements to the National Assembly to facilitate the integration and sharing of key administrative information, including national taxes, local taxes, and direct payment records.
Mayor Kang Gijung stated, “The investigative model established by Gwangju City for the first time in the nation has delivered tangible results and set a standard for addressing illicit farmland use and real estate speculation by agricultural corporations. We will continue to expand proactive administration that citizens can truly feel throughout all aspects of city governance.”
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