Hwasun County Ranks First Nationwide in 2025 Local Government ESG Assessment

Hwasun County's Status as a Sustainable City Recognized Nationwide

Hwasun County Office Exterior View

Hwasun County in South Jeolla Province announced on January 9 that it ranked first nationwide among basic local governments by achieving the highest grade, A+, in the "2025 Local Government ESG Regular Assessment."

This assessment was conducted by the Korea ESG Evaluation Institute, targeting 17 metropolitan governments and 226 basic local governments across the country.

The evaluation indicators comprehensively assess three sectors-Environment (E), Social (S), and Governance (G)-based on 16 strategic objectives, 28 detailed goals, and 43 measurement indicators.

The assessment is scored out of a total of 100 points, with Environment accounting for 40 points, Social for 40 points, and Governance for 20 points. Grades are divided into seven levels, ranging from the highest grade S to the lowest grade C.

According to the results, among all basic local governments nationwide, only two local governments (0.9%) received an A+ grade, while 20 local governments (8.8%) received an A grade. The remaining local governments were distributed at B+ grade or below. No local government received an S grade.

Hwasun County received a score of 75.8, significantly surpassing the overall average score of 62.5, earning the highest score among all basic local governments nationwide. Wanju County in North Jeolla Province followed in second place.

By sector, Hwasun County received B+ in Environment (E), S in Social (S), and A+ in Governance (G), demonstrating balanced ESG-related administrative performance overall.

The evaluation institute highly praised Hwasun County's outstanding achievements in the Social (S) sector, particularly in strategic objectives such as responding to low birth rates and population decline, expanding employment and public welfare, and addressing an aging society and reducing inequality. The county also received excellent evaluations in the Governance (G) sector for its sound local financial management and the establishment of a democratic decision-making system.

Kim Seungo, Director of Planning and Audit, stated, "With this first-place achievement among basic local governments in the ESG assessment, we will further strengthen ESG-based administration across the environment, society, and governance sectors," adding, "We will accelerate sustainable regional development to improve the quality of life for residents and for future generations."