Won 203 External Awards
Achieving Both Financial Stability and Policy Competitiveness
On January 16, Gwanak District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Junhee) announced that since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, it has successfully attracted a total of 286.2 billion won in external funding and won awards in 203 external institutional evaluations, thereby overcoming financial challenges and strengthening policy competitiveness.
From July 2022 to the end of last year, the district secured a total of 789 cases and 286.2 billion won in external funding through public contest projects, special grants, and special subsidies.
In particular, in 2025 alone, the district attracted 234 cases and 90.4 billion won in external funding, marking a record-breaking single-year performance.
Major achievements include the Joint District Parking Lot Subsidy Support Project (16.4 billion won), Seoul Campus Town Project (6.8 billion won), Seoul Companion Job Project (5.2 billion won), and Seoul-Style Kids Cafe Support Project (2.4 billion won), among others.
Key local projects directly related to resident safety and daily convenience also gained momentum. The district secured special grants and subsidies for projects such as the maintenance of aging sewage pipelines to prevent ground subsidence (3.2 billion won), installation of convenience facilities for mobility-impaired residents in high-altitude areas (3 billion won), installation of a smart road heating system (1.8 billion won), and environmental improvement work at Sillim Sports Center (1 billion won).
During the 8th popularly elected administration, Gwanak District demonstrated administrative excellence by winning awards in a total of 203 external institutional evaluations, including being selected as an outstanding case of government innovation by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Notably, last year, the district received a total of 57 external awards, including being designated as the first youth-friendly city, receiving the Presidential Citation for contributions to childcare business development, the Prime Minister's Citation for government innovation, the Prime Minister's Citation at the 21st Korea Local Government Management Awards, and achieving the highest rating for three consecutive years in the government joint evaluation.
These achievements are the result of a systematic response system established since the 7th popularly elected administration. The district has operated a dedicated external funding team, held external contest and evaluation briefings, provided staff competency training, and strengthened staff incentives to maximize the organization's overall response capabilities.
Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, stated, "As a result of all staff working together to attract external funding, we were able to implement a variety of resident-focused projects that improved quality of life while reducing the district's financial burden. Moving forward, we will continue to comprehensively analyze the changing policy environment and local needs, respond proactively, and ensure that essential projects for Gwanak District are carried out on time and without setbacks."
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