Gwangmyeong City Recognized Nationwide for "Basic Society-Type Population Policy"... Receives Presidential Commendation

Gwangmyeong City Takes Responsibility from Birth to Old Age
Presidential Commendation for Life-Cycle Population Policy
Guaranteeing the Basics of Life: The Solution to Low Birthrates
Beyond a Child-Friendly City to a City Supporting All Lif

Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Park Seungwon) has established itself as a leading city in population policy nationwide, recognized for its achievements in comprehensive policies that support citizens throughout their entire lives, from childbirth to old age.

Gwangmyeong City received the Presidential Citation in the population policy merit category at the ‘15th Population Day Commemoration Event 2026’ hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, held on the afternoon of the 10th at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Choi Hyemin, Vice Mayor of Gwangmyeong City (fifth from the left), is taking a commemorative photo with employees of the Gwangmyeong City Gender Equality and Family Division. Provided by Gwangmyeong City

On July 10, Gwangmyeong City announced that it had received the Presidential Citation for distinguished service in population policy at the 15th Population Day Commemoration Event, hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The city was highly praised for addressing the low birth rate issue not simply by encouraging more births, but by implementing policies that support all aspects of citizens' lives. The "Integrated Life Cycle Population Policy," which connects childbirth, childcare, education, housing, employment, and welfare, served as the foundation for the Presidential Citation.

At the core of Gwangmyeong City’s population policies lies the philosophy of a "basic society." The city supports the essential foundations needed for each stage of life, from families raising children to adolescents, young adults, middle-aged, and elderly citizens.

In order to reduce the burdens of childbirth and parenting, the city introduced the "Aijoa First Birthday Celebration Grant," the first of its kind in the Seoul metropolitan area. It also expanded services such as the "Aijoa Boongboong Car" mobility service for pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers, paternity leave incentives, and medical expense support for couples experiencing infertility and high-risk pregnancies.

The city has also worked to create a safe environment for children to grow up in. It operates infant experience centers and community childcare centers, and supports cultural and artistic activities through the Youth Art Creation Studio. The direct operation of the Mayor’s Youth Committee and the Children’s Participation Group has established a foundation for youth to have a voice in municipal policy.

Youth support policies have also been strengthened. The city runs youth spaces such as "Youth-dong" and "Cheongchun Gotgan" to support employment, entrepreneurship, and cultural activities. Other policies include free suit rental for job interviews, support for interest on lease loans and monthly rent, enlistment grants, and basic income for young people, all aimed at helping youth achieve economic independence.

The city has also created an environment where teenagers can grow safely and pursue their dreams. Through the operation of the Youth Art Creation Studio, cultural and creative activities are supported. By running the Mayor’s Youth Committee and the Children’s Participation Group, the city provides a platform for youth to propose policies and participate directly in municipal affairs. In addition, the city offers entrance grants for elementary, middle, and high school students, supports public transportation costs for children and youth, and operates the "Gwangmyeong Safety Team" in collaboration with the local community to ensure safe routes to and from school, continuously striving to create an environment where children can grow up safely and happily.

For the middle-aged population, support has been expanded to help them plan for the second chapter of life. Through the Life Plus Center, the city offers lifelong learning and reemployment programs, provides lifelong learning support grants for those in their 50s, and expands opportunities for social participation.

Hye-min Choi, Deputy Mayor of Gwangmyeong City (right), receives the Presidential Citation for distinguished service in population policy from Hyun Soo-yeop, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, at the 15th Population Day Commemoration Ceremony for 2026 hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 10th. Provided by Gwangmyeong City

The city has also actively addressed the challenges of a super-aged society. It established "Life Garden," the nation’s first cognitive health support space, and supports elderly citizens by providing public transportation subsidies and expanding job opportunities for seniors, enabling them to lead healthy and active lives.

The city has responded quickly to changing family structures as well. Policies have been expanded to support pregnant women in crisis, single-parent and multicultural families, childcare subsidies for children of foreigners, the enactment of ordinances supporting adolescent parents, and support for single-person households and youth caregivers, embracing a wide range of social groups.

Mayor Park Seungwon stated, "Gwangmyeong City has consistently implemented policies that proactively respond to changing population structures and social environments to protect the lives of its citizens. We will continue to promote population policies that guarantee the basic needs of life for all citizens throughout their entire lifespans."

Meanwhile, the Population Day Commemoration Event is held in observance of World Population Day and recognizes organizations and individuals who have contributed to overcoming low birth rates and responding to an aging society. With this Presidential Citation, Gwangmyeong City has been recognized as a leading local government in implementing customized population policies for each stage of life.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.