SEJONG CITY – Mayor Choi Min-ho of Sejong Special Self-Governing City welcomed a delegation of Japanese parliamentarians from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on the 27th to discuss critical policy areas, including balanced development and smart city initiatives. The visit marks a significant step in fostering international cooperation and addressing shared challenges between South Korea and Japan.

The delegation, comprising approximately 10 members including prominent figures such as Seiko Noda, former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Toshitaka Ohoka, and Takuo Komori, engaged in in-depth discussions with Mayor Choi. The meeting focused on Sejong City’s establishment as a model for balanced national development, aimed at mitigating the concentration of population and resources in the capital region.

Mayor Choi highlighted Sejong’s pioneering smart city policies, including autonomous driving, digital twin technology, and AI-driven administration. He also emphasized the city’s commitment to creating a sustainable urban environment through its extensive green spaces, which constitute 52% of the city’s total area.

A key focus of the discussions was the shared challenges faced by both nations, notably low birth rates and regional extinction. The Japanese delegation, all experts in regional revitalization and balanced development, expressed keen interest in Sejong’s strategies. Seiko Noda, with her extensive experience in regional revitalization, and Toshitaka Ohoka, a member of the Special Committee on Regional Revitalization, contributed valuable insights. Takuo Komori, an expert in regional content industry promotion, also shared his perspectives.

The visit is seen as a crucial opportunity for practical policy exchange, particularly in the context of Japan’s “Regional Revitalization (地方創生)” initiative, aimed at reversing population decline and stimulating regional economies. This initiative aligns with Sejong’s goals of promoting balanced development and attracting youth to regional areas.

Mayor Choi expressed his hopes for continued collaboration, stating, “In this significant year marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, I hope this visit will be the starting point for active policy exchanges. We are eager to cooperate closely on common challenges, including IT, smart cities, balanced development, and regional revitalization.”

Seiko Noda reciprocated the sentiment, promising to return to Sejong City for further discussions on specific policy exchanges, particularly in the fields of IT and smart cities. This visit underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing complex urban and demographic challenges.