Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member Im Seonghwa: "Seo-gu Needs to Find Its Real Name"

'Seo-gu' Name Remains a Vestige of the Japanese Colonial Era
Need for 'Administrative District Renaming'

Im Seonghwa, Member of Gwangju Seo-gu Council.

Im Seonghwa, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, delivered a five-minute free speech titled "Taking Off the Administrative Convenience Label of 'Seo-gu' and Proposing to Find Our Own 'Real Name'" during the 337th temporary session, second plenary meeting. She stated, "In the wave of administrative integration, Seo-gu's competitiveness lies in establishing its 'unique identity.'"

Im asked, "As the undisputed center of Gwangju's administration, transportation, and geography, does Seo-gu have its own name befitting its status?"

She continued, "The name 'Seo-gu' is a remnant of the directional naming system rooted in administrative convenience from the Japanese colonial period, and it is an outdated framework that confines our region's unique history and future. Because the name does not reflect the area's historical and cultural characteristics, it limits residents' sense of belonging, pride, and the spread of values."

Im emphasized that now is the right time to bring the issue of changing the administrative district's name into public discussion. She requested: ▲ making the renaming of the administrative district a 'future development strategy' ▲ and designing a deliberative democracy process 'by the residents, for the residents.'

She concluded, "A name is the 'essence of existence.' We need a name that fills us with pride every time we say it. I want to call out the new, real name of Seo-gu, created directly by the residents, together with the community for a long time."

Meanwhile, Incheon Nam-gu has changed its name to "Michuhol-gu," and Incheon Seo-gu announced that its name will be changed to "Seohae-gu" starting in July this year.