Suwon, a Megacity of 1.07 Million, Must Be Elevated to Metropolitan City Status

As discussions on administrative division reorganization, including downsizing administrative divisions at the central political level, have quieted down since the May 31 local elections, the issue of Suwon's elevation to metropolitan city status is drawing attention as it is expected to be raised during this regular session.

Additionally, the installation of a northern rear entrance at Seonggyungwan University subway station, which has been the subject of continuous resident complaints, and road improvements in the old downtown area are expected to be addressed as major policy inquiry issues during Suwon City Council's regular session beginning on the 27th.

Councilmember Moon Jun-il (District 1·2 of Gwonseon, Gokseon-dong, Culture and Welfare Committee) stated, "Suwon City, the nation's largest local government with a population of 1.07 million, must be elevated to metropolitan city status to establish an administrative system befitting its scale, and I will inquire about the city's countermeasures in this regard."

According to Councilmember Moon, "When Ulsan Metropolitan City was elevated to metropolitan status in 1997, its population was 755,000," and "with expected population increases in Suwon due to development in the western Suwon area, including Gwanggyo New City and Homaesil Complex, it is urgent to establish an administrative system matching a metropolitan city," he said.

He pointed out, "The number of residents per civil servant in Suwon is 449, approaching twice the national average of 251 per civil servant among local governments," and noted that "side effects such as deterioration in the quality of administrative services and excessive workloads are occurring."

Councilmember Moon stated, "From now on, the city-level countermeasures for metropolitan city status elevation are urgently needed," and said, "Suwon will meet the conditions for elevation to metropolitan city status through large-scale residential complex development such as Gwanggyo and Homaesil, as well as the relocation of Suwon Air Force Base."

In relation to this, Mayor Kim Yong-seo presented during the May 31 local election period the establishment of a metropolitan city system foundation that can meet the "administrative" needs of residents of Suwon, the nation's largest local government, while also mentioning the integration of Suwon, Hwaseong, and Osan as a precondition for this. (Related articles: This newspaper, May 10 and 15)

Furthermore, Councilmember Kang Jang-bong (Pajang, Yulcheon, Jeongja 1-dong, Urban Construction Committee) plans to inquire about measures to install a rear entrance and ticket gate at Seonggyungwan University subway station, which has been the subject of continuous resident complaints.

Councilmember Kang stated, "Currently, Seonggyungwan University Station has an average daily ridership of 35,000," and "the current facilities have difficulty accommodating the increased number of users," strongly raising the matter of rear entrance installation.

Regarding the facility costs as a challenge to rear entrance installation, he explained, "The city and the railway corporation could share the facility costs equally, or a private investment recruitment plan could be considered."

In addition, Councilmember Kang plans to emphasize the need to establish an ecological natural learning park in the 120,000-pyeong space of Ilwol Reservoir and request the city's response on this matter.

Additionally, Councilmember Kim Hyo-su (Maekyeo, Maessan, Godeung, Hwaseo 1·2-dong, Urban Construction Committee) is known to plan to inquire about measures to improve back alley roads in Hwaseo and Godeung-dong as pedestrian-priority roads and plans to mandate the installation of children's rooms for visitors when establishing new administrative offices and public parking lots.