Naju Welcomes Legal Foundation for Restoration of Yeongsanpo-eup After 45 Years
- Date
- 2026.05.08 11:14
- Views
- 253
- Department
- 총무과
Revision to Local Autonomy Act opens path for revival of historic Yeongsanpo name
Expanded rural benefits and improved administrative efficiency expected to support regional revitalization
Residents anticipate broader benefits and more coordinated development across the Yeongsanpo area
Naju City has welcomed the establishment of a legal framework that could enable the restoration of Yeongsanpo-eup by integrating Yeonggang-dong, Yeongsan-dong, and Ichang-dong, marking a significant step toward restoring regional identity. Such move will also further expand residents’ benefits and revitalize the area.
On June 8, the city government expressed strong support for the newly established legal basis for integrating the three districts and reinstating Yeongsanpo-eup, a long-standing goal of residents in the area.
The amendment to the Local Autonomy Act, proposed by National Assembly member Shin Jung-hoon and passed by the National Assembly on May 7, introduces provisions allowing two or more urban districts within urban-rural integrated cities to be merged and restored to township status before municipal consolidation. The measure was designed to address regional population decline and strengthen local cohesion.
Historically, Yeongsanpo-eup was abolished in 1981 when Naju-eup and Yeongsanpo-eup were merged into Geumseong City. The area was subsequently divided into five administrative districts and is currently administered through Yeonggang-dong, Yeongsan-dong, and Ichang-dong.
Continued population decline, however, has dropped the combined population of the three districts to approximately 8,000 residents. Despite functioning as a single living area, the regions remain administratively separate, raising concerns about inefficiencies and inconsistencies in policy implementation.
Despite its predominantly rural character, residents have nevertheless faced disadvantages because the area is administratively classified as an urban district. As a result, many rural-specific benefits and special provisions have not been available to locals, fueling long-standing calls to restore Yeongsanpo-eup.
The issue gained further attention during a public forum held on November 25 last year, where Acting Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety Park Yeon-byeong met with residents and heard local opinions on the proposal.
If restoration proceeds under the revised law, residents could become eligible for benefits directly linked to their daily lives, including special rural admissions for universities and reductions in health insurance premiums.
The integration is also expected to increase administrative efficiency by consolidating dispersed government functions, along with more coordinated development planning across the broader Yeongsanpo area.
Naju plans to proceed promptly with follow-up administrative procedures, including surveys, framework development, and public consultations, in accordance with the revised legislation.
Acting Mayor Kang Sang-gu stated, “This amendment to the Local Autonomy Act will be a crucial foundation for restoring the historic pride of Yeongsanpo after 45 years and promoting regional revitalization. We will spare no effort in supporting Yeongsanpo soar once again as the heart of not only Naju but the broader Honam region as well.”
Expanded rural benefits and improved administrative efficiency expected to support regional revitalization
Residents anticipate broader benefits and more coordinated development across the Yeongsanpo area
Naju City has welcomed the establishment of a legal framework that could enable the restoration of Yeongsanpo-eup by integrating Yeonggang-dong, Yeongsan-dong, and Ichang-dong, marking a significant step toward restoring regional identity. Such move will also further expand residents’ benefits and revitalize the area.
On June 8, the city government expressed strong support for the newly established legal basis for integrating the three districts and reinstating Yeongsanpo-eup, a long-standing goal of residents in the area.
The amendment to the Local Autonomy Act, proposed by National Assembly member Shin Jung-hoon and passed by the National Assembly on May 7, introduces provisions allowing two or more urban districts within urban-rural integrated cities to be merged and restored to township status before municipal consolidation. The measure was designed to address regional population decline and strengthen local cohesion.
Historically, Yeongsanpo-eup was abolished in 1981 when Naju-eup and Yeongsanpo-eup were merged into Geumseong City. The area was subsequently divided into five administrative districts and is currently administered through Yeonggang-dong, Yeongsan-dong, and Ichang-dong.
Continued population decline, however, has dropped the combined population of the three districts to approximately 8,000 residents. Despite functioning as a single living area, the regions remain administratively separate, raising concerns about inefficiencies and inconsistencies in policy implementation.
Despite its predominantly rural character, residents have nevertheless faced disadvantages because the area is administratively classified as an urban district. As a result, many rural-specific benefits and special provisions have not been available to locals, fueling long-standing calls to restore Yeongsanpo-eup.
The issue gained further attention during a public forum held on November 25 last year, where Acting Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety Park Yeon-byeong met with residents and heard local opinions on the proposal.
If restoration proceeds under the revised law, residents could become eligible for benefits directly linked to their daily lives, including special rural admissions for universities and reductions in health insurance premiums.
The integration is also expected to increase administrative efficiency by consolidating dispersed government functions, along with more coordinated development planning across the broader Yeongsanpo area.
Naju plans to proceed promptly with follow-up administrative procedures, including surveys, framework development, and public consultations, in accordance with the revised legislation.
Acting Mayor Kang Sang-gu stated, “This amendment to the Local Autonomy Act will be a crucial foundation for restoring the historic pride of Yeongsanpo after 45 years and promoting regional revitalization. We will spare no effort in supporting Yeongsanpo soar once again as the heart of not only Naju but the broader Honam region as well.”
