Kim Hee-chan Appointed Mayor of Seogwipo City; to Focus on Livelihoods and Tourism with 31 Years of Administrative Experience

[Financial News Jeju—Jung Yong-bok, Reporter] Kim Hee-chan, former director of the Tourism and Exchange Bureau of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, has been appointed the first mayor of Seogwipo City in the ninth popularly elected local-government term. Having spent 31 years in Jeju's administrative field, Kim will focus on the local economy, tourism and primary industries while pursuing field-oriented city administration.
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province said on the 28th that Wi Seong-gon, governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, presented Kim Hee-chan, the newly appointed mayor of Seogwipo City, with his appointment certificate that day. His term runs until June 30, 2028.
Kim has served as director of the Tourism and Exchange Bureau of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, head of the World Heritage Headquarters, head of the General Affairs Division, and head of Seogwipo City's Culture, Tourism and Sports Bureau. He spent 31 years in public service, holding key posts in both Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Seogwipo City, ranging from tourism and culture to organizational management.
The Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Council's Special Committee on Confirmation Hearings for Administrative Mayors held a confirmation hearing for Kim on the 23rd. After reviewing his public-sector experience, understanding of Seogwipo City, career in culture and tourism, and plans for running the city administration, the committee adopted a report on the confirmation hearing proceedings that found him suitable.
Jeju's system of administrative mayors differs from that of heads of basic local governments in other regions. Jeju City and Seogwipo City are administrative cities under Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, not separate local governments, and their mayors are appointed by the governor rather than directly elected by residents. Under the governor's direction and supervision, administrative mayors oversee administrative affairs and services related to residents' daily lives in their respective areas.

Kim faces a range of pressing issues in Seogwipo, including the recovery of the local economy and tourism industry, the competitiveness of the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors, and resident-focused administrative services.
Tourism is a field in which Kim has held a range of related posts in both Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Seogwipo City. Seogwipo City is home to major Jeju tourist attractions, including Jungmun Tourist Complex, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls. It also has a large primary sector, including tangerine farming, winter vegetables and fisheries. Key challenges for the city administration are expected to include ensuring that increases in tourist numbers translate into greater activity and income for local businesses, as well as determining how the administration can address market access and pricing issues for agricultural and marine products.
Upon taking office, Kim identified revitalizing the local economy, strengthening tourism competitiveness, enhancing the competitiveness of primary industries, and improving resident-focused administrative services as the main directions for his administration.
Kim said, "The office of Seogwipo mayor is not a position of authority, but one of responsibility in which I must repay citizens with results in their lives. I will look after people's livelihoods, connect culture, tourism and sports to the local economy, and continue to strengthen the competitiveness of primary industries." He added, "I will pursue an administration that listens closely to citizens' voices and finds answers in the field."


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