Hwaseong mayor wins top prize at youth-friendly city awards for second consecutive year

Hwaseong Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun announced Thursday on his social media that Hwaseong Special City had won the grand prize at the Youth-Friendly Commendation Awards for the second consecutive year. "I am sincerely grateful to all the public officials who have always done their best to build a city where young people can thrive," he said.

Jeong said he believed the recognition reflected the city's approach to engaging with youth. "I think this award is the result of viewing young people not merely as one demographic group, but as proud members of our society and as partners in building our future together," he said.

He added that the city had pursued a range of initiatives to listen closely to young people and incorporate their voices into policy — including the Yeonjigoji Tongjang program, the Hwaseong Exploration project and the expansion of a youth council. "I believe these small challenges, accumulated one by one, have led to today's meaningful result," he said.

Jeong also credited young residents themselves for the achievement. "Above all, this was made possible by the attention and participation you, our youth, have shown. Going forward, I will continue building a solid foundation so that young people can seize fair opportunities, take on challenges freely and pursue their dreams," he said.

The mayor added that a Youth Day commemorative event for Hwaseong Special City would be held at Dongtan Central Park on Sept. 19 and encouraged young residents to attend and share in the celebration.