Celebration of the Passage of the Administrative System Reform Act
Gratitude to Everyone Who Actively Contributed
Today is indeed a day of happiness, joy, and achievement.
This celebration marks the transition of Incheon City’s local administrative system reform
from a year-and-a-half-long endeavor to reality, thanks to its recent passage in the National Assembly.
I express my sincere thanks to all who have shown interest and participated in this journey.
As the first major policy initiative of the eighth democratic term of Incheon’s local government,
I recognized the need for a democratic and rational process in implementing this reform.
Jung-gu Mayor Kim Jung-hoon, Dong-gu Mayor Kim Chan-jin, and Seo-gu Mayor Kang Beom-seok
played pivotal roles in garnering support from their respective councils and citizens.
The council members and residents, especially the three district (gu) chairpersons,
actively understood and supported this matter, with over 80% of residents in agreement.
The Incheon Metropolitan Council then actively supported and passed the proposal.
After being proposed to the government,
it passed the State Council and, finally, the National Assembly in January.
I extend special thanks to Chairperson Kim Kyo-heung of the Public Administration
and Security Committee and all the members for their active cooperation.
In addition, the Senior Council, various committees,
and all citizens have been instrumental in this process.
I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone involved and to our citizens.
Incheon-Led Administrative System Reform:
An Exemplary and Successful Model of True Local Autonomy
Why do local administrative systems and jurisdictions exist?
They exist for the citizens, fostering regional development and enhancing future competitiveness.
We aim to reorganize districts (gun, gu) and counties in the most ideal and rational manner,
focusing on residents’ convenience, improving administrative efficiency, and bolstering future competitiveness.
Historically, such reforms have been centrally driven, a practice consistent
with the establishment of the current metropolitan system in 1995.
This reform signifies a pivotal shift toward a model
where regions, local governments, and citizens take the lead.
Scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2026, this reform marks a momentous change,
31 years after the 1995 reorganization, a period largely devoid of local government-led initiatives.
This development is highly significant as it underscores the vital role of local governments,
embodies the essence of true local autonomy, and aligns with national priorities.
Recognized and endorsed by both the government and the National Assembly,
this reform sets a crucial precedent,
demonstrating the impactful and appropriate execution of such systemic changes.
Creating Tailored Development Foundations for Changing Administrative Systems
The restructuring creates a foundation for tailored development
in response to changing administrative systems.
With two and a half years of preparation ahead,
we are committed to seamlessly preparing organizations, personnel,
administrative systems, office buildings, and related institutions.
The new Jeomulpo will become the focal point of Incheon City’s Jemulpo Renaissance,
an initiative I am confident will renew Jeomulpo’s history.
We have announced the Jeomulpo Renaissance Master Plan and will prioritize its implementation.
Yeongjongdo Island will emerge as a central area
in the New Hong Kong City Project and as a global city hub.
Under this new administrative structure, Yeongjongdo Island will play a pivotal role
as an independent district, connecting Ganghwa, Yeongjong, and Cheongna.
Seo-gu is currently a vibrant and central region in Incheon.
With various significant developments, such as the connection to Subway Line 7,
the construction of the dome stadium, City Tower, the undergrounding of the Gyeongin Expressway,
and the future undergrounding of the light rail, Cheongna is at the heart of these transformations.
The entry of Hana Financial Community and Asan Medical Center
will position Seo-gu as a key player in the finance and medical sectors.
On the other hand, Geomdan will serve as an independent district (gu)
and the epicenter of the Comprehensive Development Plan for the Northern Region.
The area north of the Ara Waterway will evolve into
a new city that integrates residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
A Historic Moment Opening Korea’s Future through Balance, Innovation, and Communication
This moment is historic, opening the future of South Korea
through balanced, creative, and communicative approaches.
I assure you that these changes have been thoroughly prepared and are well underway.
This local administrative system reform is not only pivotal for the respective regions
but also a turning point for Incheon in realizing
its future competitiveness and the city values of balance, creation, and communication.
I commit to actively collaborating with three district mayors,
council members, and city council members in implementing follow-up measures
and ensuring the smooth progression of these initiatives.
It is indeed a day of celebration, marking a significant milestone
in achieving local administrative system reform.
This lays the foundation for realizing Incheon’s dreams
and shaping the future of the Republic of Korea.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and
look forward to working together toward a brighter future for Incheon.
Wishing everyone a prosperous New Year. Thank you.
