More Than 1,000 Ri and Tong Heads from 18 Cities and Counties Gather in Hadong for Gyeongsangnam-do Unity Convention

Held at Okcheongwan in Hadong... A Time for Exchange and Unity Among Regions
18 Exemplary Ri and Tong Heads Receive Governor's Commendations... Local Agricultural and Specialty Products Promoted and Sold

The 2026 Gyeongsangnam-do Village Leaders' Unity Convention, which brought together ri and tong heads and officials from all 18 cities and counties in South Gyeongsang Province, was held on October 28 at Okcheongwan in Hadong County.

Hosted by the Hadong County Chapter of the National Association of Ri and Tong Heads, the event was attended by more than 1,000 people, including ri and tong heads and officials from the province's 18 cities and counties.

The convention was organized to recognize the hard work of ri and tong heads serving on the front lines of local administration and to expand exchange and cooperation among cities and counties.

[Photo courtesy of Hadong County] Kim Hyunsoo, governor of Hadong County, delivers a welcome address to attendees at the 2026 South Gyeongsang Village and Neighborhood Heads Unity Rally, held at Okcheongwan in Hadong County.

In the morning, attendees visited Hadong Cable Car, Hadong Cypress Forest Recreation Forest and other local tourist attractions in groups organized by city and county.

They then had lunch together at dining areas set up by each city and county at Okjong Sports Park, where they had time to socialize.

Booths promoting and selling local agricultural and specialty products were also set up at the venue.

Haman County, Geochang County, Sancheong County and Hadong County took part. Hadong County showcased local agricultural and specialty products, including sweet potatoes, Haonggo, black garlic, maesil-go, strawberry jam and processed ginger products. A Hadong tea tasting and tourism promotion event was also held.

The opening ceremony in the afternoon began with a pre-event performance by the Hadong County Arts Troupe and included the reading of the Ri and Tong Heads' Charter, a video screening, awards for distinguished service, congratulatory remarks and a commemorative photo session.

A video titled "The Road We Have Walked Together, Gyeongnam We Will Build Together" highlighted the major activities of ri and tong heads across the province and their roles in local communities.

At the event, 18 exemplary ri and tong heads who had contributed to the development of their communities received commendations from the South Gyeongsang Province governor.

Kang Hyeongyun, head of Sulsang Village in Jingyo-myeon, received a commendation on behalf of Hadong County.

After the opening ceremony, the "Ri and Tong Heads' Unity Gathering" was held, giving attendees time to socialize with others from their respective cities and counties.

Hadong County Governor Kim Hyunsoo said, "I am grateful to all the ri and tong heads who look after the various issues in their villages from the closest point to residents and connect the administration with the people. I hope this event will help expand exchange among cities and counties."

The Gyeongsangnam-do Village Leaders' Unity Convention is an event organized to foster exchange and cooperation among ri and tong heads across the province. This year's convention was held in Hadong County.

The convention should go beyond being a one-off networking event and become a forum for sharing residents' concerns arising in local communities and ways to improve the administrative communication system.

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