Three Core Visions Presented:
Kind Economy, Fully Integrated Care, and Everyday Garden Culture City
Gwangju Seogu District announced on the 29th that it has designated 2026 as the year to complete the "Kind City Seogu" initiative, presenting three core directions for district administration: a kind economic city, a fully integrated care system, and a city that fosters garden culture in everyday life.
In its New Year's address for 2026, Seogu stated, "We will take another bold step toward becoming a city where alleys are vibrant, homes are filled with the warmth of care, and green parks unfold throughout neighborhoods." The district added, "2026 will be a pivotal year to complete the 'Kind City Seogu' that has been built together with residents during the 8th popularly elected administration, and to prepare for a new future for Seogu."
First, Seogu will accelerate the creation of a "kind economic city" centered on local alley businesses and small merchants. Using the Seogu Small Business Management Support Center as a hub, the district will operate tailored consulting services and capacity-building academies. Through the "Our Neighborhood Alley ON" project, Seogu plans to establish self-sustaining models for each alley, led by merchants' associations.
Additionally, the district will expand initiatives such as the "Seogu Alley Pay Payback" program and public delivery app discount coupons to stimulate consumption. Seogu aims to solidify a virtuous cycle in which spending in local alleys is reinvested in the community, thereby strengthening the foundation of the regional economy.
In the area of care, Seogu will further advance its "Seogu-Style Integrated Care" system. With the full implementation of the Integrated Care Support Act scheduled for April, the district will enhance a seamless 24-hour care system and rapid medical linkage. By establishing public medical care models in conjunction with regional integrated health centers at public health offices, Seogu plans to build a care system that naturally integrates into residents' daily lives.
In particular, by focusing on the "Seogu Honors" program, the district will strengthen its human safety net, where neighbors look out for one another, to realize a care city where residents can feel safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Seogu is also accelerating efforts to create a "city of everyday garden culture" where rest and culture are part of daily life. The district will implement a "15-Minute Garden Culture City," where living, working, and leisure are harmoniously connected within a 15-minute radius. Plans include expanding community platforms centered on parks and green spaces, allowing residents to gather and interact.
By utilizing the Gugak Training Center as a base, Seogu will expand cultural content that blends tradition and modernity, fostering a cultural hub where all generations can enjoy together.
In addition, several new facilities are scheduled for completion in 2026, including the Yangdong Multi-purpose Center, Nongseong 2-dong Public Complex Office, Yudeok-dong Multi-purpose Center, Cherry Blossom Harmony Center, and Nongseong 1-dong Health Support Center. Seogu plans to realize resident-led community governance centered around these new spaces.
In the fields of education and employment, the district will operate a digital job center for middle-aged residents in cooperation with Hana Financial Group. It will also run programs such as the "Together Seogu Happiness School," youth culture centers, the Youth Balsan Workshop, startup support spaces, and the "World's Largest University," aiming to create an educational city that supports lifelong learning and growth for all residents.
Lee Ikang, Mayor of Seogu District, stated, "'Kind City Seogu' has tirelessly pursued the vision of a happy community where one person's small act of goodwill spreads to neighbors, and where residents who uphold laws and principles are respected, while illegal acts are dealt with firmly in a just and inclusive city." He added, "2026 will be the year when the trust and solidarity we have built together will be realized as tangible changes in everyday life."
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