Hwaseong Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun: "We Will Protect Residents' Safety and Lead Community Change Through Their Voices"

Hwaseong Special City Steps Up Community Engagement This Fall
Attends Volunteer Fire Brigade Competition and Resident Self-Governance Gathering
Around 270 Compete in Goby Fishing Contest at Jeongok Port
Mayor Jeong: "We Will Actively Support Grassroots Democracy"

Hwaseong Special City in Gyeonggi Province held a series of major events on October 9 to strengthen local safety networks, promote marine tourism and realize the values of resident self-governance, stepping up its efforts to engage with residents on the ground.

Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun delivers congratulatory remarks at the 2026 Volunteer Fire Brigade Firefighting Skills Competition on the 9th. Photo provided by Hwaseong City.

Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun poses for a commemorative photo with volunteer firefighters and other guests. Photo provided by Hwaseong City.

"A Pillar of Public Safety"... 2026 Volunteer Fire Brigade Firefighting Skills Competition Held

Hwaseong Special City held the 2026 Volunteer Fire Brigade Firefighting Skills Competition at Bibong Sports Park on October 9. Co-hosted by the Hwaseong Fire Station and the Hwaseong Volunteer Fire Brigade Federation, the event was attended by around 430 people, including Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun, Hwaseong Special City Council Chair Lee Gyecheol, National Assembly members representing the area, provincial and city council members, fire officials and volunteer firefighters.

Participants strengthened their ability to respond quickly at the scene and their team cohesion through drills simulating real emergency situations. In the morning, practical skills competitions were held in three categories: a four-person team event, fire hose deployment and retrieval, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In the afternoon, programs to promote camaraderie among the volunteers included an inflatable-tire relay and a true-or-false quiz.

Established in 2008, the Hwaseong Special City Volunteer Fire Brigade has around 800 members, including 438 men, 359 women, nine members of the Gukhwado dedicated brigade and 16 multicultural members. It serves as a guardian of local safety.

Mayor Jeong said, "I am grateful for the dedication of our volunteer firefighters, who are a dependable pillar in protecting residents' lives and property. After winning top honors in two categories at the Gyeonggi Province Firefighting Skills Competition last April, you have once again demonstrated your well-honed skills and strong teamwork today."

He added, "We will support the expansion of firefighting infrastructure, including the Hwaseong Dongbu Fire Station and the Mado Chemical Rescue 119 Safety Center, to meet growing demand for fire services, and will ensure that volunteer firefighters can serve with pride."

Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun delivers congratulatory remarks at the 2026 Resident Autonomy Communication Hanmadang on the 9th. Provided by Hwaseong City.

Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun poses for a commemorative photo with members of the Dongtan 2-dong Residents' Autonomy Committee. Photo provided by Hwaseong City.

"Local Problem-Solvers Gather"... 2026 Resident Self-Governance Communication Gathering

On the same day, the 2026 Hwaseong Special City Resident Self-Governance Communication Gathering was held to great acclaim at Bongdam 2 Ecological Sports Park, bringing together around 900 members of resident self-governance committees from 29 towns, townships and neighborhoods.

The event was organized to foster connections among committee members and reaffirm the values of grassroots democracy. Activities included a pumpkin-smashing performance, the "Resident Self-Governance Golden Bell" quiz and "I'm a Star," a talent show featuring participants from towns, townships and neighborhoods, drawing an enthusiastic response.

Hwaseong City plans to continue supporting the promotion and capacity-building of resident self-governance so that the councils can gather diverse views from local residents and identify and resolve local issues themselves.

Mayor Jeong said, "Resident self-governance committee members are 'local problem-solvers' who drive change from the place closest to residents." He urged them to "create meaningful changes that residents can feel in their daily lives, as the amended Local Autonomy Act takes effect on October 15, strengthening the legal and institutional foundation for resident self-governance councils."

He added, "The city will also provide strong support so that resident self-governance councils can fulfill their roles. Building on the spirit of communication and unity we shared today, let us work together to create 'a Hwaseong united through communication and growing through self-governance.'"

Participants in the 8th Jeongok Port Goby Fishing Competition gather at the event venue at Jeongok Port to prepare for the competition. Provided by Hwaseong City.

Participants in the 8th Jeongok Port Goby Fishing Competition cast their lines along the coast. Photo provided by Hwaseong City.

"Savoring the Autumn Sea"... 8th Jeongok Port Goby Fishing Competition Wraps Up

The 8th Jeongok Port Goby Fishing Competition was held around Jeongok Port in Seosin-myeon, drawing anglers eager to enjoy the charms of the autumn sea.

Hosted by the Jeongok-ri Fishing Village Association and organized by the Jeongok-ri Fishing Village Experience and Recreation Village, the competition drew around 270 participants from across the country who had made advance reservations, and they engaged in spirited competition.

The participant who caught the longest goby won first place and a prize of 3 million won. A range of prizes and giveaways were awarded through 10th place, including 1 million won for second place and 500,000 won for third place.

Kim Johyang, director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Oceans Bureau, said, "This competition provided an opportunity to raise awareness of Jeongok Port's appeal as a leading marine tourism destination in the Seoul metropolitan area. We will continue to develop it into an experiential marine festival that anyone can easily visit and enjoy."

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