Seoul's Seongdong-gu district is making the rounds of all 17 dong community centers to mark the launch of the ninth elected-term administration under District Mayor Yu Bo-hwa, encouraging frontline staff and engaging directly with residents at each stop.
The tour runs from July 15 through early August, covering all 17 dong. Beyond staff encouragement, each visit includes an inspection of community center facilities and a tea gathering with heads of local civic and professional organizations, giving Yu a direct channel to hear concerns from the ground.
Yu began the tour at Haengdang 1-dong on July 15, then moved through Haengdang 2-dong, Yongdap-dong, Sageun-dong, Wangsimni 2-dong, Oksu-dong, Geumho 4-ga-dong, Eungbong-dong and Wangsimni Doseon-dong. On Tuesday she visited Seongsu 2-ga 1-dong and Seongsu 2-ga 3-dong, meeting with staff and civic organization leaders. By Tuesday, 11 of the 17 dong had been covered, with the remaining visits to follow in sequence.
At each stop, Yu expressed gratitude and encouragement to staff, listening openly to the difficulties they face handling public inquiries and to their suggestions for improving workflows. She also toured key facilities at community centers and public multiplex buildings to assess resident convenience and operational conditions, and held tea gatherings with local civic organization leaders to take in a range of community concerns and opinions.
The visits have been deliberately kept low on protocol and formality, with the focus squarely on candid exchanges with staff and residents. Through open conversation on the ground, Yu aims to understand the distinct character of each dong and its residents' varied administrative needs, and to jointly explore ways to improve public services in ways residents can feel in their daily lives.
"Dong community centers are the starting point of local government — the place closest to residents where district policy comes to life," Yu said. "I am deeply grateful for the dedication of the staff who quietly fulfill their roles by the side of residents every day." She added that she would continue to put the field first and govern through direct listening. "I will do my utmost to ensure that the change and innovation the ninth elected-term administration stands for are something residents can feel in their everyday lives," she said.
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