Kim Honggyu, Mayor of Gangneung, Holds Year-End Press Conference Marking 3 Years and 6 Months in Office
Declares Transformation into an 'Economic City' with Complex Logistics and Future Industries
Lays Foundation for 'Special City of One Million Residents' by Attracting Gangwon Province's Second Government Complex
Promises to Create the "No. 1 Happy City" that Cares for Citizens' Lives
Kim Honggyu, mayor of Gangneung, held a year-end press conference at the city hall on the 19th to mark his 3 years and 6 months in office. He stated, "The past period was a time of laying the groundwork for Gangneung's development, much like a farmer turning a field of stones into fertile soil," as he announced the city's achievements and his vision for the future.
Kim Honggyu, mayor of Gangneung, is holding a year-end press conference at the city hall on the 19th to mark his 3 years and 6 months in office. Provided by Gangneung City
At the briefing, Mayor Kim first emphasized 'administrative innovation.' Drawing on his 16 years of legislative experience, he focused on lowering the chronic barriers within the administration. As a result, Gangneung City achieved a historic milestone by receiving a Grade 2 rating for the first time ever in the National Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission’s comprehensive integrity assessment.
In particular, it proved effective to boldly delegate authority, previously concentrated in the vice mayor and mayor, to field experts such as bureau and division heads. In fact, the rate of administrative processing by Gangneung’s bureau and division heads reached 90.5%, and the rate for permit approvals and project orders was nearly 100% (99.9%), earning recognition for establishing a swift and fair administrative service system.
Gangneung City is accelerating its efforts to transform its economic structure, which is currently imbalanced with 84% of all industries concentrated in the service sector, into an 'economic city.' Mayor Kim detailed plans to build a complex logistics hub connecting the port and railway and to foster future industries, aiming to create a city that attracts businesses.
Mayor Kim stressed, "Only when an environment is created where companies can benefit from reduced logistics costs and improved accessibility will high-quality jobs be created and the local economy revitalized in a virtuous cycle." He added, "This will ultimately lead to population inflow and form the foundation for a 'self-sustaining special city of one million residents.'"
One of the most notable achievements of the eighth popularly elected administration was attracting the 'Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Second Government Complex' to Gangneung following the launch of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in July last year. This not only enhanced Gangneung’s status as an administrative hub, but also actively leveraged special law exemptions such as designating Rural Vitalization Promotion Zones, thereby laying a solid foundation for balanced regional development.
Kim Honggyu, mayor of Gangneung, is holding a year-end press conference at the city hall on the 19th, marking 3 years and 6 months since his inauguration. Provided by Gangneung City
Regarding the future direction of city administration, Mayor Kim pledged to secure growth engines based on the two core pillars of 'economy and tourism,' while ensuring a warm and caring life for citizens through rural and welfare policies, aiming to make Gangneung the 'No. 1 Happy City.'
Mayor Kim Honggyu stated, "With the principles of serving the people, listening, creativity, and walking together, I have tirelessly listened to the voices of citizens." He added, "For the remainder of my term, I will think only of our citizens and only of Gangneung, and will complete Gangneung’s great transformation."
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