Mayor Joo Nakyoung of Gyeongju: "Discussions on Free City Buses for Youth to Continue at Next Week's City Council"

Conversion to Complex Facility District at Bomun and Reaffirmation of Public Benefit Principle for Oedong Complexes 3 and 4
Gyeongju Records Net Population Inflow After Four Years
"Structuring the City as a Place People Want to Live"

Joo Nakyoung, Mayor of Gyeongju City, held the National, Provincial, and Headquarters Directors Meeting in the city hall video conference room on March 3 to review key pending projects.

During the meeting, major issues such as the free city bus policy for youth, measures to revitalize the Bomun Tourism Complex, and plans for public contributions related to the Oedong Booyoung Apartments Complexes 3 and 4 were discussed.

Joonakyoung, Mayor of Gyeongju City, is speaking about major ongoing projects at the National, Subdivisional, and Headquarters Directors' Meeting held on the 3rd in the city hall video conference room. Provided by Gyeongju City

First, regarding the free bus policy for youth, Mayor Joo explained, "We had been preparing for implementation in March, but the proposal was not passed because the need for further review was raised at the temporary session of the Gyeongju City Council last month."

He went on to say, "If we are to apply the benefits only to youth residing in Gyeongju, it will require the establishment of a separate payment system and government approval procedures." He emphasized, "At the 296th temporary session of the Gyeongju City Council, which will be held from March 12, we will fully explain the relevant matters and seek the council's cooperation."

Regarding the revitalization of the Bomun Tourism Complex, he explained that recent efforts to change the zoning to a complex facility district-allowing for the integrated attraction of accommodation, commercial, and cultural facilities-are expected to lead to increased private investment.

Mayor Joo emphasized, "Converting to a complex facility district to strengthen the competitiveness of Bomun Tourism Complex is a necessary measure," but added, "The key is how private development profits are returned to the local community."

He further stated, "A research service is currently underway to establish standards for the recovery of development profits," and added, "Based on the findings, we will calculate the amount to be recovered and negotiate with private operators to ensure an appropriate level of public benefit is returned."

Regarding the Oedong Booyoung Apartments Complexes 3 and 4 project, he also reaffirmed the principle of public contribution.

Mayor Joo said, "It is essential that the profits from development are actually returned to the local community," and added, "We will negotiate so that the expansion and donation of a section of the old National Road Route 7 adjacent to Booyoung Apartments Complexes 3 and 4 will align with the interests of Gyeongju City."

He also mentioned recent changes in population trends.

Mayor Joo evaluated, "Last year, Gyeongju City recorded a net inflow of 860 people, marking a shift in trend as incoming residents exceeded outgoing residents for the first time in four years," and added, "Considering the situation of three consecutive years of net outflow, this is clearly a positive signal."

He further stated, "We believe that factors such as increased births, expanded migration from other regions, the supply of youth rental housing, and policies responding to low birth rates have each played a role," and emphasized, "It is important to ensure that this trend is not merely a temporary rebound but becomes a structural change."

He concluded, "We will further solidify the foundation for future industries and continue to create high-quality jobs linked to industry," adding, "By strengthening the residential platform that organically connects industry, housing, and care, we will transform Gyeongju from a 'city people come to work in' to a 'city people want to live in.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.