Osan City Benchmarks Wanju County's 'Regional Revitalization' Initiatives

Osan City officials have embarked on a benchmarking trip to other regions to study advanced models of local development.

Mayor Kwak Sang-wook of Osan City, along with approximately 50 senior-level civil servants ranking grade 5 and above, visited Wanju County in North Jeolla Province on December 1-2 for a one-night, two-day benchmarking trip to study advanced cases of regional revitalization. The officials toured Anduk Village, Indeok Village, Changpo Village, and the Regional Economic Circulation Center.

Mayor Kwak Sang-wook, who participated in the benchmarking visit, stated: "We organized this visit to provide senior officials with direct hands-on experience and learning opportunities. By visiting Wanju County's village community companies, community business initiatives, Dure Farms, and the Regional Economic Circulation Center, we aim to create a new impetus for our administration to demonstrate innovative and transformative leadership tailored to Osan's circumstances."

On the first day of benchmarking, officials received approximately 30 minutes of briefings on major projects and general conditions from Wanju County administrators. Following guidance from the Wanju Village Travel Organization director, the group toured the Korean Liquor Museum, the North Jeolla Provincial Art Museum, Anduk Village, and the Korea Permaculture Center in sequence.

On the second day, the officials completed their visits by touring Indeok Dure Farm, the Regional Economic Circulation Center, and Gosan Changpo Village in order.

A city official stated: "Through this visit, we will continue to make efforts to facilitate more substantial and progressive mutual exchanges and cooperation between our respective institutions and organizations."

Meanwhile, Wanju County in North Jeolla Province, with a population of 85,050 and 706 civil servants, operates under the administrative structure of 2 eups, 11 myeons, and 1 office with 12 divisions and 4 sub-sections. With a fiscal budget of 382.7 billion won and a financial independence ratio of 21.4%, Wanju County is a typical agricultural region. However, under the leadership of County Governor Lim Jeong-yeop, it has emerged as a model case for regional vitalization projects, attracting continued benchmarking visits from local governments nationwide.