Hwaseong Mayor Jeong Myunggeun Wins Grand Prize at Korea Local Autonomy Awards for Second Consecutive Year

Recognized for Initiatives Including Establishment of General Districts, Hwaseong Basic Society, and Fostering Future Industries

Mayor Jeong: “We Will Ensure Hwaseong’s Growth Leads to Changes Residents Can Truly Experience”

Jeong Myung-geun, Mayor of Hwaseong Special City in Gyeonggi Province, has received the Grand Prize at the Korea Local Autonomy Awards for the second consecutive year.

Song Moonho, Director of Planning and Coordination at Hwaseong Special City, is taking a commemorative photo with employees after receiving the Best Award in the Administration and Legislative Leader - Basic Local Government category at the 2nd Korea Local Autonomy Awards 2026. Provided by Hwaseong City

According to Hwaseong City on the 28th, Mayor Jeong received the Grand Prize for Administrative and Legislative Leaders in the Basic Local Government category at the 2026 2nd Korea Local Autonomy Awards ceremony, which was held at the Korea Railroad Corporation headquarters at Daejeon Station on the 27th.

The Korea Local Autonomy Awards aim to identify individuals, groups, and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of local autonomy and to promote best practices nationwide. Winners are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their contributions to local autonomy, administrative achievements, legislative performance, and accomplishments in civic society.

Mayor Jeong was recognized for winning the Grand Prize for two consecutive years, following his achievement at the inaugural ceremony last year. He was acknowledged for initiatives including the promotion of establishing general districts to meet the administrative demands of a metropolis with a population of 1 million, expanding the authority of special cities, the establishment of the “Hwaseong Basic Society,” and fostering future industries.

Mayor Jeong also contributed to laying the legal groundwork for expanding the practical authority and institutional foundation of special cities by supporting the enactment of a special law. In June, the “Special Act on Support for Special Cities” was promulgated, providing an institutional basis for expanding the powers and support required by special cities.

Hwaseong City is implementing the “Hwaseong Basic Society” initiative focused on basic income and essential services, comprising 100 major projects. The city is also strengthening its competitiveness in future industries by establishing the “Hwaseong Technopol”—a hub that integrates businesses, talent, and residential environments—and by creating an organization dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI).

Mayor Jeong stated, “Winning this award for two consecutive years is the result of the efforts that have driven Hwaseong's transformation and growth together with our citizens,” adding, “I will continue to do my best to ensure that Hwaseong’s progress and innovation translate into tangible changes felt by all residents.”

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