- Citizen Communication Phone Receives 1,250 Messages in Three Months—From On-Site Responses Within 48 Hours to Public-Private Partnerships

Citizen Communication Phone Receives 1,250 Messages in Three Months—From On-Site Responses Within 48 Hours to Public-Private Partnerships

Going beyond simply receiving complaints, these initiatives are being recognized for resolving problems on the ground and turning citizens’ proposals into public-private partnerships.

Launched on July 1, the Citizen Communication Phone received 1,250 messages over three months. Excluding 424 messages of encouragement, appreciation, and other feedback, 826 concerned substantive complaints. Of these, 570 have been resolved or are undergoing follow-up action.

Notably, the ‘On-Site Response Within 48 Hours’ system is also taking root. During the third quarter, more than 2,000 complaints received on-site inspections and initial responses within 48 hours, showing that field-oriented administration is quickly becoming established across the city government.

Proposals submitted through the Citizen Communication Phone are also developing into public-private partnerships. In August, the president of the Yeosu Sarang Rotary Club proposed expanding volunteer medical services through the phone, suggesting an ongoing partnership with the city.

Rather than treating the proposal as a routine text-message complaint, the city developed it into a joint project. It analyzed healthcare accessibility and the distribution of vulnerable groups to identify service locations and recipients, then coordinated private-sector medical professionals and volunteer resources. As a result, an agreement on public-private cooperation for volunteer medical services was signed on September 23, just one month after the proposal. The two-year partnership will provide volunteer medical services, talent-sharing activities, and daily necessities for low-income households.

Citizens are also seeing improvements in everyday inconveniences. Reports through the Citizen Communication Phone have led to on-site checks and swift action, including opening the Yi Sun-sin Marina parking lot for residents and tourists, improving public restroom hygiene, and addressing hazards on village roads. These measures are making daily life more convenient and safer.

Mayor Seo Young-hak stated, “True local self-government begins with listening to even the smallest concerns of our citizens.” He added, “Just as a single text message led to a public-private partnership, we will continue incorporating citizens’ proposals into city administration and working with them to find better solutions through open communication.”