▲ Guri City Mayor Baek Gyeong-hyeon

Guri mayor takes the steering wheel to pave the way

Guri mayor Gyeonghyeon Baek pledged to make the city where citizens are top priority and the city with a new growth engine and challenge. Ever since he took the office, the city has been working on a number of projects including being a part of Seoul, building mega transportation infrastructure and revitalizing alley economy. PowerKorea sat down with him and heard about it in Q&A.

 

Q. Being a part of Seoul probably is the biggest issue.

A. It is. We take this seriously for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the transportation hell can be solved. Secondly, the development restriction can be lifted. Compared to surrounding cities, Guri has been way behind urbanization due to this. The city’s Topeong plain also has been idling while we can use the land for good. Taking all things into consideration, it is far better for the city to be incorporated into Seoul.

 

Q. Tell us more about the plain.

A. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport designated the plain for public housing development last November. It has been the long cherished development project of Guri City. Finally, the 2.9 million square meter land is to invite 18,000 households when completed in 2027. The plain also will include a lake park, business complex, and cultural and administrative facilities. It will eventually lead the city with a 100 year vision. 

 

Q. What is your plan to revitalize alley economy?

A. It is surprising to know that 96% of businesses in the city are self owned or small with retail and food take nearly half of it. So it is absolutely necessary for the city to run supportive measures to revitalize the economy. For this, we are working on an all-inclusive support center for efficient and fast administration that will include loans and such. We will hand out vouchers alongside local festivals and events big or small and support live-commerce to sell local products. Speaking of which, The 100 Best Restaurants of Guri is highly recommended for visitors to try. 

 

Q. How can you turn the city to livable and dynamic?

A. I put up a new growth, challenge and shift as our administrative motto in the year 2024. We are ambitious to create an e-commerce logistics center, a cutting edge techno valley and a smart delivery complex. As part of this effort, the marine and agricultural product market will be relocated. Not only this, we will open a new growth center and a venture center for small and medium business to grow and prosper. It is noteworthy and the city backs up to 300 million won when a promising company relocate its base to the city.

 

Q. Tell us about the transportation.

A. Transportation in fact is most urgent. The extension of the subway line 8 and the Byeolane line are finally set to open early this year. Also coming soon is GTX-B to Galmae Station, the extension of GTX-D and subway line 6 and the underpass between Gangbyeonbuk-ro and Wang Suk-cheon. In addition, numerous parking lots are under construction.

 

Q. The People Power Party has proposed a special law that incorporates the city into Seoul. How far has it gone?

A. Guri and Seoul has teamed up for the incorporation. The team will work together against the problems that can occur during the process such as legal and administrative foundations and they are open to the public for transparency. I and my team will take this opportunity as a great leap forward for the citizens and we will do our utmost best.

임병권 기자  limbk1229@daum.net