"Efforts Beyond Chupungnyeong Change Gimcheon's Trajectory"

Mayor Bae Nakho Declares "Icheongdeuksim" City Administration
Second Relocation of Public Institutions and Future Mobility
Presents Roadmap for Achieving a Living Population of One Million

Bae Nakho, Mayor of Gimcheon, has declared 2026 as the "First Year of Gimcheon's Great Leap Forward," unveiling a city administration blueprint centered on stabilizing citizens' livelihoods and fostering future industries. Mayor Bae stated, "With an attitude of 'listening to gain hearts' (Icheongdeuksim), I will lead Gimcheon toward a new leap forward."

Mayor Bae Nakho Declares Policy of Listening to Public Opinion, Presents Roadmap for Second Relocation of Public Institutions and Future Mobility Living Population of One Million Era

During the New Year's kick-off ceremony held on January 2, Mayor Bae emphasized in his address, "Last year, Gimcheon City dedicated all efforts to securing national funding and resolving key issues through sales-driven and hands-on administration. As a result, we received awards in 50 areas, including excellence in the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's livelihood recovery consumption coupon execution, excellence in Gyeongbuk agro-food export policy evaluation, and excellence in job creation promotion evaluation, as well as securing 3 billion won in incentives."

The core tasks for city administration this year are: ▲ revitalizing the local economy ▲ fostering future industries ▲ balanced development ▲ strengthening rural competitiveness ▲ comprehensive welfare ▲ building a safe city ▲ achieving a living population of one million ▲ and establishing a high-performing organization.

To revitalize the local economy, the city will expand interest subsidies and special guarantees for small business owners, support working capital for small and medium-sized enterprises, and fully implement the construction of smart factories. Pyeonghwa Market will be specialized as a "Kimbap Street" in line with its "Kimbap Heaven" image, while tailored strategies will be implemented to highlight the unique characteristics of Arejangteo, Bugok Matgoeul, Hwanggeum Market, and Yulgok-dong commercial districts.

In the field of future industries, the city will complete the fourth phase of the general industrial complex, the tuning general industrial complex, and the automobile driving test center without delay. Mayor Bae stated, "If we succeed in attracting a high-speed train maintenance depot and a national railway industrial complex in addition to the 1.5 million pyeong industrial complex, Gimcheon will stand at the center of the future industrial map." The city also plans to foster the future auto parts industry and urban air mobility (UAM) sector step by step, expanding beyond the tuning car and drone industries.

As a balanced development strategy, the city will promote the construction of a new elevated station at Gimcheon Station and the development of a mixed-use complex in the station area to revitalize the original downtown. In particular, regarding the second relocation of public institutions, Mayor Bae stressed, "For true national balanced development, we must secure Gimcheon as a relocation site," adding, "We have already launched a dedicated task force to respond proactively."

In the agricultural sector, the city will respond to aging demographics by building large-scale smart farm complexes and fostering young and small-scale farmers, as well as addressing labor shortages by constructing dormitories for foreign workers and providing one-stop job placement services. The establishment of a comprehensive agricultural products distribution center will also be accelerated.

In the welfare sector, the city plans to dramatically improve the level of medical and welfare services in the original downtown area by opening an integrated health town in April, with an investment of 48 billion won. Mayor Bae stated, "We will actively address the crises of low birth rates and population decline through comprehensive support across the entire cycle of pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare."

The strategy to expand the living population has also been detailed. The city will further enhance the competitiveness of the Kimbap Festival, which has become a leading festival in Korea, and strengthen the quality of existing festivals such as the Cherry Blossom and Grape Festivals to establish Gimcheon as a four-season festival city. By expanding sports infrastructure and attracting national-level competitions, the city will also broaden its foundation as a tourism destination that encourages longer stays.

Regarding organizational management, Mayor Bae said, "We will create a culture where employees who work proactively are always rewarded," adding, "By strengthening communication and collaboration, we will complete the vision of 'Gimcheon City That Works Well.'"

Mayor Bae Nakho concluded, "Each and every citizen is the key to Gimcheon's future," urging, "In 2026, the Year of the Red Horse, I ask that citizens and public officials come together so that Gimcheon can soar powerfully like the Tower of Peace."