Hwaseong Wins Global City Brand Award... Named Economic Vitality City

Recognized for Attracting 26 Trillion Won in Investment and Nurturing Future Industries
Mayor Jung Myung-geun: "The Fruits of Growth Will Lead to Greater Happiness for Citizens"

Hwaseong Special City in Gyeonggi Province has been awarded the "2026 Global City Brand Awards," in recognition of its achievements in attracting over 26 trillion won in investment and nurturing future strategic industries.

Min Byung-kwan, CEO of The Korea Times Weekly (left), Oh Seok-man, Public Relations Director of Hwaseong Special City (center), and Lee Hyang-su, President of the Korean Local Autonomy Association, are taking a commemorative photo on the 26th at the 4th 2026 Global City Brand Awards ceremony to celebrate winning the National Representative Economic Vitality City category. Provided by Hwaseong City

The city of Hwaseong (Mayor Jung Myung-geun) announced on the 27th that it was selected as the recipient of the "National Representative Economic Vitality City" award at the 4th 2026 Global City Brand Awards ceremony, which was held on the 26th at Ferrum Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul.

This award, hosted by The Asia Business Daily and sponsored by the Korean Local Autonomy Association, is given to local governments that have uncovered unique city brands and contributed to balanced development and the enhancement of sustainable competitiveness.

Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, Hwaseong City has focused on fostering future strategic industries such as semiconductors, future mobility, and biotechnology. As a result, it attracted 26.0957 trillion won in investments, exceeding its original target of 20 trillion won. Investments by major domestic and international corporations—including ASML, ASM, Samsung Electronics, and Kia—have established Hwaseong as a key hub for Korea's advanced industries.

The city has also pushed for the creation of the future industrial city "Hwaseong Technopol" and the designation of the Dongtan area as a strategic industry-linked venture promotion zone. Hwaseong has worked to establish a one-stop investment support system and expanded support for SMEs, start-ups, and exports, thereby fostering an industrial ecosystem where both companies and talent can thrive.

This marks Hwaseong City's second award at the Global City Brand Awards, having previously received the "National Representative Urban Attractiveness" award in 2023. The city is now recognized not only for its urban appeal but also for its competitiveness in nurturing future industries, attracting investment, and supporting corporate growth.

The city has set "Happiness for All, a Greater Hwaseong" as the vision of the 9th popularly elected term and is pursuing the creation of a "Special City for the Happy Economy." Aiming to become "Korea's Top Future Advanced City," Hwaseong plans to further strengthen its competitiveness in future industries by establishing a space and aerospace industry cluster hub, securing an economic free zone designation, and building an artificial intelligence (AI) industry foundation.

Mayor Jung Myung-geun of Hwaseong Special City said, "This award acknowledges that Hwaseong Special City has grown into Korea's leading economic city, where companies and talent gather and new opportunities are created, centered on the industries of the future."

He added, "During the 9th term, we will build on our achievements to broaden the foundation for advanced future industries, create a business-friendly environment, and expand high-quality jobs. We are committed to ensuring that the fruits of economic growth are shared evenly across citizens' lives and throughout every part of the region, making Hwaseong a true 'Special City for the Happy Economy.'"

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