Yuseong-gu (유성구), located in Daejeon, South Korea, is a district that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and technological advancements. With its renowned hot springs, prestigious universities, and cutting-edge research centers, Yuseong-gu provides a dynamic and enriching experience for residents and visitors alike.
In an exclusive interview with the Mayor of Yuseong-gu, we delve into the district's achievements, ongoing projects, and future goals. With a focus on revitalizing tourism, developing the MICE industry, addressing local challenges, and fostering global cooperation, Yuseong-gu is determined to enhance its standing as a vibrant and innovative destination in Daejeon, South Korea.
Q1. Congratulations on your first anniversary in office. What are your thoughts?
I can't believe it's already been a year since the start of the 8th term. It truly feels like time is passing by quickly once again. These days, as we wrap up the 7th term and continue the governance for the fifth year, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility and spend each day busily. Thanks to the support of the citizens, we have been able to maintain the continuity of policies from the 7th term to the 8th term, enhance our execution capabilities, and promote various projects. As a result, we have received favorable evaluations from external sources, such as:
- 2022 Presidential Commendation for Promoting Environmental Technology and Consumption (Carbon-Neutral Lifestyle) / Ministry of Environment
- Ranked 1st in the Comprehensive Competitiveness Index for Local Self-Government in Daejeon Metropolitan City / Korea Research Institute for Local Administration
- Special Award for the 2022 Urban Awards in South Korea / Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
During the past period, we focused on conceptualizing and establishing the system. Now, I believe it's time to gradually demonstrate the results. Starting from the second year, we will work on concretizing and realizing various current projects in order to create a better future together with 360,000 citizens.
Q2. Does Yuseong-gu have any projects that are being prioritized for the development of the MICE industry, which is represented by conventions and exhibitions, as it is known as a mecca for domestic science and technology research and development, including the Daejeon Research and Development Special Zone, the Daejeon Expo facilities, and recently, the Shinsegae Art & Science Center and the Daejeon Convention Center's Second Exhibition Hall?
First of all, the MICE industry in Daejeon has infinite potential. Since 2021, Daejeon City has formulated and established a plan for the development and promotion of an international conference complex zone and formed a consultative body. The consultative body consists of 11 organizations, including Daejeon City, Daejeon Convention Center, Daejeon Marketing Corporation, hotels, department stores, performance halls, and art galleries. With DCC at its center, efforts were made to designate the Expo Science Park and Hanbat Arboretum Cultural Arts District as an international conference complex zone.
Based on these efforts, last year, Yuseong-gu's DCC and Seo-gu's Dunsan Grand Park were designated and approved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as an international conference complex zone. Additionally, Yuseong-gu has shopping, accommodation, and tourism infrastructure that are part of the comprehensive complex zone. As part of the comprehensive zone, Yuseong-gu will make efforts to promote the activation of the MICE industry by attracting conventions, providing support for exhibitions and events, and implementing various policies and programs for tourism promotion and marketing.
Q3. Yuseong-gu has long been known as the sole tourism special zone in Daejeon, representing the city's tourist attractions. However, it is currently facing stagnation in tourism. What are the specific goals for revitalizing Yuseong tourism, particularly Yuseong Hot Springs, and what projects are being prioritized for this?
Firstly, we are pursuing the development of the "Yuseong Hot Springs District Tourism Hub Project". Specifically:
- Expanding the tourism industry in the field of convergence by incorporating various industries:
- Developing attractive urban tourism content through the enhancement of experiential attractions, shopping and leisure activities, nightscapes, and accommodation options.
- Developing and operating tourism products that involve residents' participation to ensure sustainable demand.
Secondly, we acknowledge the limitations of hot springs as a single resource for the city and recognize the need to secure new urban growth drivers and restore urban competitiveness by utilizing hot springs. In response to population decline and an aging society, we aim to utilize the potential of hot springs in areas such as wellness and healthcare. We are developing tourism industries that are linked to hot springs, including the MICE industry, and making efforts to maintain and manage the hot springs while improving accessibility for external tourists.
Thirdly, to overcome the aging of tourism facilities and the lack of content in Yuseong Hot Springs tourism, we are making efforts to combine the potential of various resources in the region, including universities, science and technology, and businesses. By leveraging the unique characteristic of hot springs in the city center, we aim to move beyond simple hot springs tourism and transform it into environmentally friendly urban tourism.
Fourthly, we are promoting tourism activation through Yuseong-gu's four-season festivals:
- (Spring) Yuseong Hot Springs Cultural Festival
- (Summer) Yuseong Jazz & Beer Fiesta
- (Autumn) Chrysanthemum Exhibition
- (Winter) Yuseong Christmas Festival
Fifthly, we are also making efforts to develop new tourism resources by promoting the discovery of tourism courses and content. This includes conducting surveys and studies for the development of new tourism resources.
Q4. Regarding the challenges of local extinction and population decline, as well as the increasing importance of global talent recruitment, investment attraction, and international cooperation, what initiatives is Yuseong-gu pursuing in global promotion and exchange cooperation?
We are promoting exchange cooperation with Ninh Chanh District in Vietnam and the city of Preston in the United Kingdom. With Ninh Chanh District, we have resumed exchanges that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes visits by delegations from the Youth Union and People's Committee of Ninh Chanh District, meetings with our secretary and chairman of the People's Committee, visits to cultural facilities and industrial complexes in Yuseong-gu by companies located in Ninh Chanh District, and visits to Ho Chi Minh City to gain insights into the economic and investment environment in Vietnam and international exchanges. We also plan to invite delegations from Ninh Chanh District and explore opportunities for cooperation in cultural arts, education, administration, and other fields through invitations to the 2023 Yuseong Hot Springs Cultural Festival or Chrysanthemum Exhibition, as well as the signing of cooperation agreements.
With the city of Preston in the UK, we aim to establish a cooperation platform for sharing policy knowledge and information on successful models of local circular economies in response to population decline and regional economic crises. This includes expanding cooperation and exchanges in various fields such as economy, administration, and science and technology to enhance urban competitiveness. We are pursuing the signing of a cooperation agreement and promoting exchange and cooperation between Yuseong-gu and Preston, as well as facilitating the development of local self-governance, regional economy, and public-private partnerships. Our future plans include discovering practical projects that involve sharing policy knowledge and expertise to enhance regional economic activity and improve the quality of life for citizens.
