UNJournal Jon Lee |  The 2024 Jongno-gu Saemaul Leadership Convention was held at 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 23 at the Civil Defense Training Center at the Wellis Center in Jongno-gu, with more than 300 participants. The convention was a meaningful occasion to recall the core values of the Saemaul movement and share a new vision for community development.

 

Major events and awards

The event was organized in a colorful sequence, including the entry of Saemaul and the opening declaration, introduction of guests, award presentation, congratulatory remarks, and congratulatory speeches.

 

In particular, Choi Yi-seong, chairman of the Saemaul Council, and Park Jong-sung, chairman of the Samcheongdong Saemaul Council, were recognized for their dedicated activities, receiving the Presidential citation. In addition, the citations from the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Mayor of Seoul were also awarded to encourage the efforts of the Saemaul leaders.

 

 

Park Nae-chun, chairman of the Jongno-gu Saemaul Association, presents his vision with a greeting

 

In his greeting to the 2024 Jongno-gu Saemaul Leaders' Conference, Jongno-gu Saemaul Association Chairman Park Nae-chun emphasized the essence of the Saemaul movement and provided a concrete vision for its future development.

First, Park expressed his deepest gratitude to the Saemaul leaders and guests who attended the congress, praising their dedication to the development of the Jongno-gu community. 

 

“Thanks to your passion and efforts, Jongno-gu is growing into a brighter and warmer community,” he said, expressing his respect and gratitude for those who have taken the lead in realizing the values of the Saemaul Movement.

 

Emphasizing the importance of the Saemaul Movement in 2024

 

Chairman Park noted that 2024 is a year when the spirit of the Saemaul Movement is more important than ever. “The social and environmental challenges we face today are complex problems that cannot be solved by the efforts of one individual or organization alone,” he said. ”The values of the Saemaul movement, such as hard work, self-help, and cooperation, shine through these challenges and provide a direction for us to move forward.”

 

In particular, he cited the activities carried out by Jongno-gu Saemaul leaders throughout the year, noting that they solved community problems and led sustainable development through environmental cleanup activities, support for the vulnerable, and energy conservation campaigns. He emphasized that these activities go beyond mere service and are seeds of hope for the community.

 

 

Presenting a vision for 2025

 

Park laid out goals for creating even more transformative change in the upcoming year 2025. He emphasized the need to address the climate crisis, revitalize the local economy, and show compassion for marginalized neighbors as key issues, and called on leaders to work together to the best of their abilities and gather new ideas and enthusiasm.

 

“If we all work together, Jongno-gu will become a more livable city, and if leaders take the lead and set an example, the spirit of the Saemaul movement will be more strongly rooted in our society.”

 

 

Encouraging attendees' efforts and congratulating winners

 

Park extended his heartfelt congratulations to the leaders who were honored at the convention, and expressed his hope that the convention would be a valuable opportunity to encourage each other's hard work and share new visions.

 

He concluded his remarks by saying, “I wish you all good health and happiness, and let's build a bright future for the Saemaul Movement together.”

 

Chairman Park's message left a deep impression on the participants, reaffirming the value of the Saemaul Movement and providing direction for community development.

 

 

Congratulatory remarks by Jongno-gu Mayor Chung Moon-heon

 

In his congratulatory remarks, Jongno-gu Mayor Chung Moon-heon said, “The Saemaul Movement has played an important role in making communities brighter and warmer,” and expressed his deep appreciation for the leaders' dedication. He also called for “further development of Jongno based on the achievements of 2024.”

 

 

Adopting resolutions and presenting visions

 

Participants in the convention reaffirmed the commitment of the Saemaul Movement by adopting a resolution under the slogan “Together, Saemaul, into the future, into the world!”

 

The resolution emphasized making Jongno a warm place through sharing and consideration, responding to the climate crisis and practicing carbon neutrality, and creating a healthy and happy community culture.

 

 

Closing with the Saemaul song

The participants concluded the convention by singing the Saemaul song together. The song, which begins with “The dawn bell rang, a new morning has dawned,” captured the spirit of the Saemaul movement and created a place of unity and resolve.

 

The 2024 Jongno-gu Saemaul Leadership Convention was a meaningful time to thank Jongno-gu Saemaul leaders for their dedication and hard work, and to share their vision for a better future.