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Environmental improvement projects that change the face of a city are crucial tasks directly linked to the quality of life for residents. Gwanak-gu has completely renovated the "Namhyeon Art Garden" near Exit 6 of Sadang Station, an area with high foot traffic, transforming it into a healing landmark within the city. A space that had become dilapidated and lost its function over the past decade has been reborn as a plaza-style garden where people can meet, contemplate, and enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. Beyond mere aesthetic improvements, the district has enhanced its practical rest functions by installing a cooling fog system to combat summer heat and planting hydrangea gardens. This is part of a stay-type tourism policy that encompasses both hikers visiting Gwanaksan Mountain and local residents, offering a glimpse into the district's commitment to a sustainable "Garden City Gwanak."

Lowering the barriers to administrative services is another core strategy Gwanak-gu is focusing on. Regarding tax issues—one of the areas where many residents face the greatest daily difficulties—the district operates a groundbreaking service called "On-site Tax Consultation." For residents feeling the economic burden of complex inheritance, gift, or property taxes, village tax accountants visit the site directly to provide personalized 1-on-1 consultations. Having confirmed high resident satisfaction through several pilot operations, Gwanak-gu has significantly expanded access to tax services by scheduling five consultation opportunities this year. This is evaluated as an exemplary case of enhancing the public nature of administrative services by providing practical rights relief and economic benefits to ordinary citizens who need expert assistance.

Building infrastructure for a safe city is also an indispensable pillar of Gwanak-gu's administration. The "Smart Pole Safety Streetlights" installed around the Hyundai Market intersection serve as more than just lighting; they act as advanced security devices. These streetlights, which combine CCTV, emergency bells, and public Wi-Fi, are linked to a 24-hour integrated control center, eliminating blind spots for crime and dramatically improving residents' perceived safety. This project, which has been recognized for its effectiveness by being selected for public contests for two consecutive years, focuses on creating an environment where residents can walk the streets at night without fear. These efforts to incorporate technology into administration to eliminate anxiety in residents' daily lives are becoming a concrete driving force in realizing a Smart City Gwanak.

The movement toward "participatory administration," where the direction of policy is left in the hands of residents, is also notable. Through the "2026 Creative Idea Contest," Gwanak-gu continues its attempts to directly reflect the voices of those who live, work, and study in the district into its policies. In line with the district's policy of introducing artificial intelligence (AI) technology across all administrative affairs, efforts to bridge the digital divide and upgrade smart administrative services stand out. This goes beyond simply receiving proposals; it is a future-oriented move to solve the inconveniences residents feel in the field using AI and creative ideas. By participating in the process of designing urban changes themselves, residents are increasing the completeness of policies and strengthening a sense of community where they become the masters of their city.

Meanwhile, the project to restore a warm community that cares for marginalized neighbors is not being overlooked. Selected as a target site for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's "Whole-Village Care Meal" project, Gwanak-gu plans to operate shared kitchens centered around resident autonomous councils to provide side-dish sharing and consultation linkages. Reflecting the regional characteristic of Gwanak-gu, which has a high proportion of single-person households, the district is focusing on preventing social isolation and increasing the sense of solidarity among residents. However, unlike these positive steps, the recent worker fall accident at the Shinansan Line construction site left a painful lesson that our society's safety net is not yet perfect. Just as administrative meticulousness enriches the lives of residents, it reminds us that fundamental safety measures at industrial sites, such as construction zones, are a top priority that administration must never neglect.