한국지방행정연구원

On August 22, 2025, the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration (President Yook Dong-il) successfully hosted the “Modernization of Citizen-Centered Urban Governance” Korea-China Joint Seminar at Dasan Hall.

This seminar was a follow-up to the first half seminar held in Shanghai in April, and provided an opportunity for both countries to deeply discuss urban governance challenges and policy innovation directions that each face.

Presentations addressed various approaches to respond to the complex issues confronting modern cities, including demographic shifts, digital transformation, and expanded citizen participation.

From Korea, researcher Kang Young-ju and associate researcher Kim Min-young jointly presented on “Citizen-Centered Governance Innovation in the Era of Digital Transformation.” They introduced domestic case studies in which advanced digital technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and online platforms—were used to institutionalize citizen participation and reform administrative services. In particular, they analyzed the effects of data-driven policy decision making, provision of tailored services, and citizen-participatory decision-making platforms, emphasizing that digital transformation can lead not only to improved efficiency but also to restoration of trust and enhancement of quality of life.

From China, Professor Li Zongjian delivered the presentation “Building a New Era People’s City through the Ideals of a People-Centered City.” He placed “people” at the ultimate goal of urban development, sharing Chinese policy experiences focused on strengthening equity in public services, improving residents’ living environment, and promoting social integration. He further emphasized that by embedding a “people-centered” philosophy throughout city planning and governance design, cities should pursue not only economic growth but sustainability and harmony of the community.

In the comprehensive discussion that followed the presentations, topics included models of citizen participation combining technological innovation with institutional design, governance structures to mitigate regional disparities, and the need for intercity cooperation networks to address global common issues like climate change and population aging.

President Yook Dong-il stated, “This seminar was not merely a formal exchange, but a meaningful time in which both countries openly shared their policy experiences and know-how, and on that basis designed new models of cooperation. In particular, the theme of citizen-centered governance is a challenge faced by both Korea and China, and solving it requires not only innovation in technology and institutions, but also political and social foundations that can restore citizen participation and trust.”