Paju City won the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the urban surroundings category of the ‘2024 Korea City Awards’ hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 29th of last month. The city solidified its position as a livable city with sustainable urban competitiveness by winning the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in 2022 and the Special Award in 2023, followed by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award this year.
The Korea City Awards is an award given to excellent local governments that have contributed to realizing sustainable cities and improving the level of living infrastructure. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport awarded awards in four areas, including urban society, urban economy, urban environment, and support system, to 229 municipalities, counties, and districts across the country. are evaluated and excellent local governments are selected.
The evaluation is conducted by an evaluation committee comprised of experts such as the Korean Society of Planning and Urban Planning and the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, which evaluates the basic indicators and policy indicators in writing and then visits local governments with excellent performance to conduct a second on-site evaluation.
Paju City received excellent evaluations for ▲ stable housing support for socially vulnerable groups ▲ carbon-neutral environmental policy to realize a low-carbon green city ▲ provision of citizen transportation convenience by expanding public transportation routes and expanding the operation of demand response buses (Tik Bus).
Paju Mayor Kim Gyeong-il said, “Winning the city award for three consecutive years is the result of promoting citizen-centered sustainable policies in areas closely related to people’s livelihood, such as housing, environment, and transportation.” “We will devise specialized strategies and continue to pursue various projects,” he said.
Simultaneously occurring, Paju City held a completion ceremony for the barefoot trail at Wollong Mountain Forest Park on the 29th of last month.
At the ceremony, about 100 people, including paju Mayor Kim Gyeong-il, paju City Council Chairman Park Dae-seong, Provincial Councilor Ahn Myeong-gyu, Wollong-myeon organization heads, and residents, attended the ceremony and took the time to look around the newly renovated park and walk barefoot on the promenade.
Wollong Citizen’s Park,which is 5,000 pyeong in size and was created on the upper part of Wollong Reservoir in 2013,is connected to the Wollong Mountain hiking trail and has a large lawn and parking lot,so it is a park with many family visitors. However, due to recent aging, the packaging materials have been damaged and maintenance is required.It was.
Accordingly, the city decided to carry out the Wollong Mountain Forest Park maintenance project to improve the health of residents. The city built a new 340m long barefoot walking path and resurfaced the old pavers with eco-kind cork and earthen concrete. In addition, additional convenience facilities for users, such as benches, shade canopies, and foot-washing stations, were installed.
Paju Mayor kim Gyeong-il said, “A total of 9 barefoot walking trails have been established this year, starting with the recently opened Wollong Citizen Park.” He added, “Paju City will keep pace with citizen demands and create barefoot walking trails that anyone can easily enjoy around their living areas.”
Paju City plans to invest 1.98 billion won in barefoot walking trails next year to build and maintain 22 barefoot walking trails in parks, green spaces, and forest paths.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Paju City
How does community engagement play a role in Paju City’s urban planning initiatives?
Time.news Interview: Exploring Sustainable Urban Development with paju City’s Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this edition of our interview series! Today, we’re delighted to have an esteemed expert, Dr. eunha Lee,who played a crucial role in Paju City’s recent accolades,including the prestigious Minister of Land,Infrastructure and Transport Award for 2024. Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Eunha Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Paju City has won the Minister’s Award in the urban surroundings category three times in a row—2022, 2023, and now 2024. What do you think sets Paju apart in terms of sustainable urban development?
Dr. Lee: Paju City’s commitment to sustainable urban competitiveness is something we take great pride in. Our approach blends innovative urban planning,environmental preservation,and strong community engagement. We prioritize green spaces and efficient public transport systems, aiming to create a livable habitat that meets both current and future challenges.
Editor: That’s notable! Could you share some specific initiatives that contributed to these awards?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely! One of our hallmark initiatives is the ‘Green Infrastructure Plan’, wich focuses on integrating parks, urban forests, and green roofs throughout the city. additionally,we have implemented a robust public transportation system to reduce reliance on cars. Community programs that promote environmental awareness and participation have also been key in fostering a culture of sustainability.
Editor: It sounds like community involvement is a vital component of your strategy. How do residents engage in these initiatives?
Dr. Lee: Yes, community involvement is critical. We organize workshops and forums where locals can voice their opinions and contribute ideas. For instance, our recent ’Paju Green Day’ showcased local projects and allowed residents to share their experiences. This feedback loop is essential; it helps us adjust our plans to better fit the community’s needs.
Editor: with three awards under your belt, what are your ambitions for the future of Paju City?
Dr. Lee: We’re aiming for continual improvement and innovation. Our goal is to position Paju as a model for other cities worldwide in sustainable urban development. We’re also looking into embracing smart city technologies, enhancing our efforts in renewable energy use, and further promoting eco-friendly practices among residents and businesses.
Editor: That sounds remarkable! what do you think other cities can learn from Paju’s success?
Dr. Lee: Collaboration is key. Cities should work closely with their communities, share knowledge across sectors, and foster partnerships with organizations dedicated to sustainability. moreover, cities need to be adaptive and open to incorporating new ideas while staying true to their unique cultural and community values.
Editor: Thank you, dr. Lee, for your insights. It’s clear that Paju City is setting a remarkable example in the realm of sustainable urban living. We look forward to seeing more exciting developments from you and your team!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to spread the message of sustainability and livable cities!