Council of Chairpersons of Cities and Counties in Northern Gyeonggi Holds 120th Regular Meeting in Yeoncheon

The Council of Chairpersons of Cities and Counties in Northern Gyeonggi Province held its 120th regular meeting on the 15th at the Imjingang Nature Center in Yeoncheon. This regular meeting was hosted by the Council of Chairpersons of Cities and Counties in Northern Gyeonggi Province, chaired by Kim Woonnam, and organized by the Yeoncheon County Council, chaired by Kim Mikyung. The chairpersons of the eight city and county councils in northern Gyeonggi-Goyang, Paju, Uijeongbu, Yangju, Guri, Dongducheon, Gapyeong, and Yeoncheon-were in attendance.

The Council of Chairpersons of Cities and Counties in Northern Gyeonggi Province held its 120th regular meeting on the 15th at the Imjingang Nature Center in Yeoncheon. Provided by the Council of Chairpersons of Cities and Counties in Northern Gyeonggi Province

Prior to the meeting, an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding council members for their legislative activities was held at 10:30 a.m. During the ceremony, awards were presented to council members who contributed to community development and the promotion of residents’ welfare, in recognition of their achievements in legislative work.

At the 120th regular meeting that followed, three major agenda items were reviewed and approved, including the adoption of the 2026 revenue and expenditure budget operation plan.

During her welcoming remarks, Kim Mikyung, Chairperson of the Yeoncheon County Council, said, "I sincerely thank all the city and county council chairpersons for coming to Yeoncheon and joining the 120th regular meeting despite the cold season. It is especially meaningful to hold this significant meeting at the Imjingang Nature Center, which opened on December 11."

Chairperson Kim also introduced Yeoncheon as a region certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting the value of Yeoncheon, where nature, history, and ecology coexist-such as the Jeongok-ri prehistoric site, the Imjingang River, and the DMZ.

She further stated, "I hope today’s regular meeting will serve as an opportunity to share wisdom for the development of the northern Gyeonggi region and to further strengthen cooperation and solidarity among city and county councils." She particularly noted that, despite the independence of personnel authority for local councils, institutional limitations still persist, emphasizing, "It is time for city and county councils in the northern region to unite their voices and efforts for the complete independence of local councils and the realization of genuine local autonomy and decentralization."

Kim Woonnam, Chairperson of the Council (and Chairperson of Goyang City Council), stated, "It is important for city and county councils in northern Gyeonggi to address regional issues together through close cooperation and communication. Centered on the Council, we will continue our efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens and achieve balanced development in the northern Gyeonggi region."

After the regular meeting, participants received an explanation of the Imjingang Nature Center’s facilities and took a tour, guided by a Yeoncheon County cultural commentator, to gain a deeper understanding of the facility’s operations and status.

Meanwhile, the Council of Chairpersons of Cities and Counties in Northern Gyeonggi Province is a consultative body established to resolve common issues in the northern Gyeonggi region and to strengthen cooperation among local councils. It is composed of the chairpersons of nine city and county councils.