Idea contest open through Oct. 30, with no restrictions on residency or age; top prize of 1 million won among awards selected by public vote
Jongno-gu is inviting residents and anyone with an interest in the district to submit ideas for its 2026 idea contest, themed "Gather Your Thoughts, Renew Jongno," with submissions accepted through Oct. 30.
The contest aims to find practical solutions to problems encountered in daily life and at administrative sites. The district plans to translate winning proposals into concrete policies and incorporate them into its governance.
Proposals that pass an initial review will be made public, and residents will cast votes in a "public preference poll" as part of the judging process. The district said the goal is to weigh not only administrative feasibility and expert assessments but also real-world relevance and breadth of public support when selecting the final winners.
The contest theme is "Ideas for the Development of a New Jongno in the Ninth Elected Term." Submissions fall under four designated categories: "Jongno Together" covering welfare; "Vibrant Jongno" covering culture and the economy; "Safe and Convenient Jongno" covering safety and transportation; and "Jongno Opening the Future" covering AI and smart administration. Proposals that do not fit any of these categories may be submitted under an open-topic option.
Anyone with an interest in Jongno may participate, with no restrictions on place of residence or age. Submissions may take the form of a written proposal or a short-form video, whichever the applicant prefers.
Applications can be submitted through Oct. 30 by email, postal mail or in person at the district's Planning and Budget Division. Full details, including forms and submission guidelines, are available on the district office website.
Winners will receive a certificate and a cash prize. The gold prize carries 1 million won ($746), the silver prize 500,000 won, the bronze prize 300,000 won and the encouragement prize 200,000 won. Fifty participants will also be selected by lottery to receive coffee gift vouchers.
Regardless of whether a submission wins an award, the district plans to categorize and review all received proposals by field and use them as foundational material in its policymaking process.
"The everyday ideas of our residents can be the starting point for positive change in Jongno," District Mayor Yoo Chan-jong said. "Through this contest, we will gather a wide range of opinions and work to ensure that residents' interests and voices are reflected in policy."
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