Province hosts civil servant workshop in Gimhae

Field officials propose expanding secretariats, distributing practical manuals

South Gyeongsang Province held the "2026 Decentralization Civil Servant Job Competency Enhancement Workshop" at Lotte Hotel & Resort in Gimhae from Wednesday to Thursday. [South Gyeongsang Province]
South Gyeongsang Province held the "2026 Decentralization Civil Servant Job Competency Enhancement Workshop" at Lotte Hotel & Resort in Gimhae from Wednesday to Thursday. [South Gyeongsang Province]

Civil servants responsible for decentralization affairs across South Gyeongsang Province have called for expanding dedicated secretariats for resident autonomy councils and distributing practical operational manuals.

South Gyeongsang Province said it held the "2026 Decentralization Civil Servant Job Competency Enhancement Workshop" at Lotte Hotel & Resort in Gimhae from Wednesday to Thursday. More than 30 civil servants handling decentralization affairs from the provincial government and 15 cities and counties across the province attended to discuss policy issues.

The workshop was designed not only to share policy information but also to give field officials a forum to discuss the difficulties they experience with resident autonomy systems and to explore solutions. Participants examined the limitations of existing systems and strengthened their capacity to implement decentralization and regional balanced-growth policies through expert lectures, field visits and group discussions. Field-based improvements were also on the agenda.

During group discussions on the second day, participants said resident autonomy councils need professional secretariats to bridge the gap between local government and residents if the councils are to lead decision-making and project execution. They called for expanding secretariats — currently established in only some cities and counties — and assigning qualified staff to handle administrative support on a dedicated basis. Participants said a proper support structure is essential for resident autonomy councils to sustain projects and drive community participation.

Participants also proposed developing and distributing tailored practical manuals for resident autonomy committee members who struggle with administrative procedures and paperwork. The aim is to reduce the burden on field workers by providing step-by-step guidance covering everything from policy decisions and project planning to budget execution and settlement.

On the first day, Choi Ji-min, a center director at the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration, delivered a lecture on local balanced-growth strategies for the era of five regional hubs and three special zones. Hwang Suk-jeong, secretary-general of the Bongnim-dong Community Center in Changwon, shared operational experience with resident-led decentralization through the Bongnim-dong case. Participants then visited Myeongwol, a mixed-use cultural complex in Gimhae's original downtown area, and Bongnidan-gil to examine examples of resident-driven community problem-solving and revitalization.

Jung Hye-nyeon, head of South Gyeongsang Province's balanced development division, said the province would work with cities and counties to reflect the various reform proposals that emerged from the workshop in actual policy.


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