436 complaints filed from July to September, with 372 resolved for an 85.3% resolution rate; free parking extended for swim class attendees, senior meal quality improved, pedestrian safety measures underway
Mapo-gu's "Baro Baro Sotongpon," a direct communication phone for resident complaints, has been proving its worth as a go-to channel for resolving community grievances.
The "Baro Baro Sotongpon" ("instant communication phone") is a direct channel under the district mayor's office that allows residents to easily submit policy suggestions and everyday complaints via text message. It launched with the start of the ninth elected-term administration.
District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun carries the phone himself, checking incoming messages regularly and responding promptly — an approach that has helped build trust with residents.
A total of 436 complaints had been filed through Wednesday, with 372 resolved for a resolution rate of 85.3%. The complaints spanned a wide range of areas, including transportation, welfare, education and culture.
A number of notable resolutions have followed. Swim class participants at Mapo Yusnaru, which shares a parking lot with the district office, had long faced the inconvenience of having to rush out within 30 minutes of finishing their lessons to qualify for free parking.
The issue intensified after the district office parking lot, previously free outside the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., switched to 24-hour paid parking in 2024. Complaints continued and were submitted again this year through the communication phone.
In response, the district coordinated with the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation and the Mapo Municipal Youth Center on Aug. 20, and from Thursday extended the free parking window for swim class participants from 30 minutes to one hour after the end of their session.
The quality of meals at the district's senior dining program has also improved following feedback submitted through the phone. Starting Sept. 1, the program shifted away from simply filling a set number of side dishes toward prioritizing the quality and nutritional value of each item — reducing the number of banchan from six to four while raising overall meal quality and diner satisfaction.
The revised menu centers on kimchi and three freshly prepared side dishes. In the second half of the year, the district plans to conduct a user satisfaction survey to gather seniors' preferences and incorporate their feedback into future menus.
Changes aimed at protecting resident safety are also taking shape. A crosswalk in front of the Mapo Youth Culture Center had long been the subject of complaints about the risk of accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians.
The long-unresolved issue was resubmitted through the communication phone, prompting the district to provide safety training for traffic assistants and move forward with installing speed bumps. The district contacted the Mapo Police Station on Sept. 21 to inquire about installation feasibility and received approval the following day. The speed bumps are scheduled to be installed in October.
"Residents' voices are the most important signal guiding the direction of public administration," District Mayor Yoo said. "I will make sure the Baro Baro Sotongpon goes beyond being a complaint channel and becomes a true conduit for communication that helps build a better Mapo."
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