"The Era of Naju's Great Leap Forward, Writing the Future Together with Citizens" Slogan
Reflections on the Past Four Years to Present a Vision for "Greater Naju"
The book launch event and talk concert for "The Era of Naju's Great Leap Forward! Writing the Future Together with Citizens," the second autobiography by Yoon Byungtae, Mayor of Naju City, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 24 at the Naju Sports Park Multipurpose Gymnasium.
Yoon Byungtae, who was inaugurated as the 8th popularly elected Mayor of Naju in July 2022 amid enthusiastic support from Naju citizens, brings together in this book his reflections from leading the city administration with 120,000 citizens over the past four years, along with the achievements of policies pursued and his vision for "Greater Naju."
"The Era of Naju's Great Leap Forward! Writing the Future Together with Citizens," which features recommendations from National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, Unison Chairman Cho Hwanik (former CEO of Korea Electric Power Corporation), and Yoon Euijoon, President of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea, is composed of three chapters in total.
Chapter 1, "The Era of Naju's Great Transition! Writing the Future Together with Citizens," candidly details Mayor Yoon's journey of proactive governance and the implementation of his pledges, as he tirelessly pursued the 8th administration's goals of "A Happy Naju Worth Living In, A Leading and Outstanding Naju."
Chapter 2, "A Man Who Managed Well," contains behind-the-scenes stories about the implementation of customized welfare policies enjoyed by all generations, such as the "100-Won Bus," "Youth Free Rental Housing Support," and "Installation of Tables in All Senior Centers," as well as the process of securing the highest-ever national funding as a master of attracting government funds, the Bitgaram Innovation City, the Naju Education Big Bang, and more.
Chapter 3, "Toward a Glocal City! Writing the Future Together," unfolds Mayor Yoon's vision of creating a sustainable, globally coexisting city through "green governance," where the environment is synonymous with quality of life, to be passed on to future generations.
In this book, Mayor Yoon introduces the journey of Naju's great transformation over the past four years, during which he worked day and night with 120,000 citizens and public officials to realize the "Era of 5 Million Tourists to Naju" and "A Global Small but Strong City of 200,000." He documents the time spent tirelessly securing budgets by frequently traveling to the National Assembly and government ministries, pouring all his capabilities and dedication into Naju's development and new hope.
Of particular note is the success story of the "2025 Naju Yeongsangang Festival," which attracted a record 520,000 visitors, proving the limitless value of Yeongsangang Garden and its potential as a national garden.
The book also expresses deep gratitude for the insight and support of Naju citizens, who pooled their strength and wisdom to help the city become not only the "Energy Capital of Korea" but also a "Global Leading City in Fusion Energy" through milestones such as the confirmation of the artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility in Naju, the attraction of the National Energy Science Museum, and the designation of the Naju Energy National Industrial Complex.
"The Era of Naju's Great Leap Forward! Writing the Future Together with Citizens" conveys Mayor Yoon's sincere commitment to the development of his hometown Naju, as well as new ideas and perspectives for the city's great leap forward as it enters a major turning point for the next 100 years.
Mayor Yoon emphasized, "Naju now stands at the starting point of a great leap forward with limitless development potential," and added, "I will work with citizens to complete 'Outstanding Naju,' created together with citizens, as a global energy science city leaping beyond Korea to the world, a sustainable smart agricultural and bio city, a city attracting 5 million tourists, a prestigious education city, and a universal welfare city for all generations."
Yoon Byungtae, who will run for re-election in the upcoming local elections in June, was born in Nampyeong-eup, Naju City, graduated from Nampyeongbuk Elementary School, Nampyeong Middle School, Gwangju Commercial High School, and earned a degree in Business Administration from Sungkyunkwan University, followed by a Ph.D. in Economics from Missouri State University in the United States.
After passing the 36th Higher Civil Service Examination (Finance Track), he built a reputation as an expert in economics and budgeting at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, serving as Director of the Education and Science Budget Division, Head of the Integrated Management System for National Subsidies, and Director of the Administrative and Safety Budget Review Division. He also served as Senior Administrative Officer for Education at the Blue House and as Vice Governor of Jeollanam-do, gaining experience in both central and local government. In 2022, he was elected as the 8th popularly elected Mayor of Naju, leading the city's great transformation.
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