By Jun WonGun, Ph.D. in Political Science
Former Vice Chair, Democratic Party Policy Committee, Adjunct Professor, Kyung Hee University
In preparation for the June 3 local elections, a perception survey of the Gangnam area reveals a dual image. Gangnam is widely recognized as “Seoul’s representative affluent and sophisticated district,” yet it is also perceived as “a congested and expensive enclave of the wealthy,” as well as “a vibrant hub for youth, shopping, and nightlife.” Rather than affirming or rejecting these perceptions, the more pressing question is how to translate them into a policy framework aimed at building “a dignified and happy city, a sustainable future for Gangnam.” Even if directed toward the long term, such a vision requires what may be described as a metaphysical frame of reference to guide policy design.
First, Gangnam Harmonizing Care and Respect
The growing elderly population and the isolation of single-person households point to structural gaps in the current care system, reflecting broader limitations of the nuclear family model. To address these shortcomings, the proposal calls for preferential housing allocation for newly married couples who co-reside with their parents under public rental and public housing programs. Additional measures include priority job placement and reductions in comprehensive income tax and health insurance contributions, with the aim of fostering a culture that values intergenerational responsibility and respect.
Second, Establishing a National Model of AI Governance at the SETEC Site
Beyond the information age and into the AI era, Gangnam would construct a new district office complex near Hangnyeoul Station, at the current SETEC(Seoul Trade Exhibition & Convention) site, forming an AI-driven administrative cluster. The objective is to enable all civil services to be processed within ten minutes. The integrated complex would house the district office, district council, public health center, post office, tax office, police and fire stations, as well as a concert hall and large conference facilities, creating a comprehensive civic hub.
Third, “The Great Transformation”: Shifting Value from Real Estate to Data
Economic anthropologist and philosopher Karl Polanyi, in The Great Transformation, described 19th-century market capitalism as a “satanic mill,” warning that if left unchecked by the state, the commodification of labor, land, and money would ultimately erode the foundations of human society. Today, this perspective invites reconsideration of where value is anchored. Rather than centering economic priorities on real estate, the proposal argues for repositioning information and data as the core drivers of future competitiveness.
Fourth, Gangnam as a First District of Politics and Security
Beginning with the June 3 local elections, Gangnam is envisioned as a political arena defined not by ideological confrontation but by fairness and balance — selecting leaders “of Gangnam, by Gangnam, for Gangnam.” Security remains foundational: without stability and peace, accumulated assets and achievements cannot be safeguarded. A genuine conservative posture, in this context, entails adherence to the principle of onggojishin — learning from the past to create the new — upholding the rule of law, and demonstrating commitment to national security and self-reliance through action rather than rhetoric.
Fifth, Building an Eco-Friendly Garden City
Wastewater from Yangjaecheon, Tancheon, and Segokcheon flows into the Han River, contributing to broader environmental concerns. In particular, Tancheon spans three jurisdictions — Seongnam, Songpa, and Gangnam — creating potential administrative blind spots in river management. The proposal includes improving water quality through the use of peat moss filtration techniques, encouraging the inflow of cleaner water by linking forested areas across Daemosan, Guryongsan, and Maebongsan, and establishing a connected green belt. Such efforts aim to advance transparent environmental governance while transforming the river ecosystem into a site for biodiversity education.
Ultimately, the June 3 local election presents an opportunity to select a candidate with substantial public-sector experience and a nuanced understanding of Gangnam’s local dynamics. With informed leadership, the district may pursue structural innovation and renewal in alignment with these five strategic agendas.
