경계를 넘어 화합으로: 포천시가 그리는 다문화 사회의 새로운 표준 > K-wave Trends

The most significant feature of this festival is its "compilation of substantial content." Moving beyond monotonous cultural introductions, the event provides a venue to experience the food cultures of eight countries—Thailand, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, China, and Sri Lanka—through large-scale food booths. Furthermore, with a diverse lineup starting with a majestic performance by the 5th Corps Military Band, followed by Scottish bagpipes, Latin reggae music, and world DJing, the festival implements a "stay-type" platform where global culture can be consumed in one place. Beyond simple observation, citizen-participatory programs such as Hanbok experiences, calligraphy, and instant photo printing are densely arranged to serve as a bridge to narrow the psychological distance between domestic and foreign residents.

This move by Pocheon is the result of a proactive and active response to the recent rapid increase in foreign residents within the region. Considering that many local governments have faced criticism for a lack of communication with locals or budget waste while promoting multicultural events, Pocheon's change is noteworthy. As foreign residents have stepped up as direct planners and participants rather than mere extras, the scale of the festival has more than doubled compared to previous years. This can be evaluated as a reflection of Pocheon's sophisticated administrative philosophy, aiming not just to fill numbers, but to imprint the region's international openness onto the global market.

Along with the festival, innovations in Pocheon's administrative services are also increasing citizen satisfaction. The city has simplified the passport reissuance process, allowing citizens with no history of loss within the last five years to renew their passports without the original, and has also enabled online passport applications for minors. In particular, the improvement allowing phone-based advance reservations for the night civil service office, considering the accessibility of the digitally vulnerable, demonstrates meticulous administrative power that cares for even the smallest details of citizen convenience. Such improvements in civil service reveal the city's will to not only focus on events like festivals but to substantially improve the quality of life for citizens by increasing the efficiency of daily administration.

Pocheon's innovation shines not only in cultural and administrative services but also in its promotional methods. Park Seong-ae, an official in the City Public Relations Office, is leading a creative public service culture by self-studying artificial intelligence (AI) technology and applying it to city promotion. Moving away from the passive promotional methods of the past that relied on outsourcing, officials now plan and produce short-form videos, webtoons, and animations themselves, saving budget and presenting a promotional model that is much friendlier to citizens. This is an exemplary case of communication administration in the digital age, showing how the efforts of a public servant who puts small ideas into practice can innovate the image of the entire city administration.

Meanwhile, Pocheon is not neglecting efforts to inherit the value of traditional culture alongside modern festivals and digital administration. The recent public event for National Intangible Heritage No. 113, "Chiljang" (Lacquerware Crafting), held at the Pocheon Intangible Heritage Training Center, showcased the delicate techniques of traditional lacquer craft to citizens, adding cultural depth. The city's efforts to promote the transmission value of intangible heritage through demonstrations and exhibitions, and to utilize them as local cultural assets, prove that Pocheon's cultural spectrum encompasses both the past and the future. Additionally, by running welfare programs such as couple stretching and massage education centered around the Family Center, the city is building a substantial local community that supports the daily health and emotional bonds of its citizens.