District finalizes 2026 proactive administration plan with 12 tasks across 5 areas; top civil servants eligible for special promotion and pay raises, with expanded legal protections against audits and disciplinary action
Dobong-gu in Seoul is accelerating administrative reform with a sweeping package of incentives and protections designed to embed a culture of proactive governance across its civil service.
The district recently approved its "2026 Proactive Administration Implementation Plan" and announced it will launch 12 tasks across five areas, including stronger preferential treatment for civil servants who demonstrate proactive work.
The plan aims to respond dynamically to a changing administrative environment and rising resident expectations, focusing on spreading a proactive work culture throughout the civil service and delivering tangible results for residents.
The district is significantly expanding rewards for civil servants who take initiative. It plans to select outstanding proactive civil servants twice a year — once each in the first and second halves — and grant personnel benefits including special promotions and accelerated pay raises, encouraging creative and ambitious approaches to public service.
The district is also strengthening protections against audit and disciplinary concerns so civil servants can carry out their duties without fear. It will expand its proactive administration pre-consultation system and operate a dedicated immunity protection officer program to reduce the burden that can arise during the course of official work.
In cases where disciplinary proceedings, lawsuits or investigations stem from proactive administrative actions, the district will cover the cost of retaining legal counsel or litigation representatives, easing the psychological burden on civil servants and safeguarding their rights.
The district is also investing in organizational culture. It plans to regularize proactive administration training for staff and identify standout cases to develop and share as promotional content, fostering an autonomous and innovative workplace atmosphere.
These efforts are already bearing fruit. Dobong-gu was named an outstanding institution in the Ministry of Interior and Safety's "2025 Local Government Proactive Administration Comprehensive Evaluation" — a significant step up after three consecutive years at an average rating.
"It is important to create an environment where civil servants can work creatively and proactively for residents," said Dobong-gu Mayor Oh Eon-seok. "We will continue to drive change that residents can feel through innovative administration that refuses to be bound by convention."
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