Submissions accepted through Oct. 13 in three categories: AI-driven administrative innovation, a safer and more convenient city, and resident empowerment. Top prize is 1 million won, with winning ideas to be incorporated into district policy.
Dongjak-gu is holding a 2026 policy idea contest under the theme "Light Up Dongjak, Turn Ideas Into Reality."
The contest aims to uncover fresh proposals from residents and translate them into policy, fostering a more communicative and participatory style of district governance.
The district office will accept submissions through Oct. 13 from Dongjak-gu residents, as well as workers, students and organization members based in the district.
Proposals may be submitted in three categories: AI-driven administrative innovation (covering improvements to civil services and administration, and the development of resident-facing services), a safer and more convenient city (covering improvements to the living environment and resident convenience), and resident empowerment (covering the activation of resident self-governance and the resolution of local issues through public-private cooperation).
Residents wishing to participate can download the application form from the district office website, fill it out, and submit it via email to the designated officer or through the website. Submissions may also be dropped into suggestion boxes on the first and second below-ground floors of the district office, or sent to the Planning and Budget Division by mail or fax.
All submissions will be reviewed by the relevant departments before going before a proposal screening committee, which will evaluate entries on five criteria: feasibility, creativity, economic efficiency, scope of application and sustainability.
Outstanding proposals will receive a district mayor's citation along with cash prizes — 1 million won ($735) for gold, 500,000 won for silver, 300,000 won for bronze, 200,000 won for an encouragement award and 100,000 won for a merit award. A ceremony is planned for November.
The district says it will closely monitor the progress of adopted ideas to ensure they are carried through into actual policy. Non-proposal feedback, such as routine complaints, will also be tracked separately and used to inform district operations. For more information, contact the Dongjak-gu District Office's Planning and Budget Division.
"Through this contest, I hope the good ideas that come from residents' everyday lives will be reflected in our policies," Dongjak-gu District Mayor Ryu Sam-young said. "We will continue to actively incorporate residents' voices into district governance."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
