District takes top honor in livable city category at 2026 National Empathy Awards, recognized for resident-centered policies
Urban renewal, specialized education and cultural engagement drive sustained improvements in quality of life and city competitiveness
Yangcheon-gu has won the top prize in the livable city category at the 2026 National Empathy Awards for the second consecutive year, recognized for high-impact policies spanning urban environment improvement, education, childcare, culture and leisure — areas closely tied to residents' daily lives.
The National Empathy Awards are hosted by the Dong-A Ilbo and sponsored by 12 government ministries, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Interior and Safety. The awards recognize outstanding cases among local governments, companies and institutions that have advanced social value and pursued differentiated policies and services through public communication and engagement.
The district has steadily resolved longstanding local issues while achieving balanced development across housing, transportation infrastructure, childcare, education and culture. Those efforts have translated into tangible change across the district, culminating in back-to-back wins in the livable city category.
Urban renewal has been reshaping Yangcheon-gu's future at a rapid pace. All 14 apartment complexes in the Mok-dong area have completed their designation as redevelopment zones and entered the implementation phase, including the formation of associations and integrated review processes. Redevelopment projects are actively under way in 66 zones across the district, encompassing Moataun initiatives as well as private and public redevelopment schemes.
The district has also strengthened its education and childcare environment for children and families. Built around the Y Education Expo — now established as a nationwide education platform — along with the Yangcheon Education Support Center and regional future education centers, the district has broadened the scope of public education outside school walls to cover academic guidance, college preparation, career counseling, AI literacy and global competencies.
The district also launched the nation's first "Yangcheon-style overnight emergency childcare center," establishing a 24-hour childcare system that allows parents to entrust their children with confidence even in sudden, unexpected situations.
Improvements in the living environment and cultural offerings have also raised residents' everyday satisfaction. A property tax reduction for households affected by airport noise — the first such measure by a basic local government — was recognized as a direct form of compensation that eases the burden on residents. The Skywalk on Yongwangsan has emerged as a new landmark offering panoramic views of the Han River and the city skyline. Cultural programs rooted in daily life, including the Yangcheon Family Street Festival — which transforms a six-lane road into a festival venue — have added vibrancy and enjoyment to the community.
The district said it will continue to push forward key projects without disruption while using its civil affairs communication office as a hub to swiftly incorporate residents' voices into policy, ensuring that people feel the impact of change in their everyday lives.
"Winning the livable city award two years in a row carries great meaning, as it recognizes not only the sweeping changes transforming Yangcheon's future but also our careful attention to residents' daily lives," Yangcheon-gu District Mayor Lee Gi-jae said. "We will keep working to build a Yangcheon that is even more livable — one where quality of life and urban competitiveness grow together."
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