Daejeon City held a dialogue with citizens on the 27th at the Dongdaejeon Library in Dong-gu to mark the 3rd anniversary of the 8th popularly elected government. The event served as a platform to share changes in city administration and future tasks with citizens. Approximately 120 participants, including citizen reporters, young civic engagement participants, and citizens recommended by autonomous districts, attended and exchanged various opinions.
The event, themed "3 Years Built Together, Future Opened Together," was designed as a forum for sharing the past three years since the launch of the 8th popularly elected government and discussing remaining tasks and citizen opinions on them.
The opening featured a performance by local artists 'Le Rêve de Gipsy,' followed by a briefing on overall city administration directly led by Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, setting the atmosphere for the event.
An interview video screened at the event showcased the transformed appearance of various parts of Daejeon and the positive changes citizens have experienced. The subsequent Q&A session saw a variety of citizen questions on diverse fields such as economy, transportation, culture, and welfare. Mayor Lee directly explained policy directions and measures for each sector, fostering empathy with citizens.
Regarding support measures for self-employed individuals, Mayor Lee stated, "We will strengthen support that citizens can practically feel, such as management stabilization funds, special guarantees, online market pioneering, and revitalization of traditional markets."
In response to questions about urban railways, he explained, "The Line 2 tram is under construction with an aim for opening in 2028. Measures to minimize inconvenience during construction, such as securing detours and providing alternative transportation, are also being promoted in parallel." He added, "Lines 3, 4, and 5 have completed prior consultations with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and public hearings. We plan to proceed with administrative procedures step by step, including approval of the urban railway network construction plan, to improve accessibility in areas underserved by urban railways and promote balanced regional development."
Regarding the creation of a stay-type tourism city, he stated, "We are actively promoting 'One More Night in Daejeon' with content linked to accommodation discounts, night tourism, transportation experiences, local food, and souvenirs." He also noted, "We will expand linkages with the 0 O'Clock Festival, Hanwha Eagles home games, and city tours."
Additionally, the Gwanjeo-dong Municipal Library is targeted for groundbreaking in 2026 and opening in 2028. Construction for the Daejeon Medical Center is underway with an aim for opening in 2027. Notably, the Daejeon Medical Center is planned to be established as a hospital guaranteeing citizens' health rights, focusing on essential public medical services such as emergency and delivery.
In response to a question about "Daejeon-Chungnam integration," he emphasized, "Integration into 'Daejeon-Chungnam Special City' is necessary for administrative efficiency and service improvement. Based on special powers, we can expect more systematic wider-area administration in education, medical care, transportation, and culture, as well as increased government support."
The subsequent 'Citizen Communication Quiz' involved all attendees. The results of Daejeon's image and priority administrative tasks selected by citizens were shared, and Mayor Lee Jang-woo's thoughts on them were directly heard.
Mayor Lee Jang-woo stated, "Citizens' thoughts are the direction of city administration. We will continue to strengthen citizen-centric communication and participation."
He also emphasized, "The past three years have been a time of practical changes and achievements that improved citizens' quality of life under the vision of 'Daejeon, a First-Class Economic City.' We will continue to steadfastly pursue key tasks such as the completion of a science capital, the establishment of a foundation for a super-first-class economic city, and the administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungnam."
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