Lee Hyun-jae, a People Power Party preliminary candidate for Hanam mayor, unveiled his "Children's Belt" pledge Sunday, officially kicking off his bid for re-election. One day ahead of the 104th Children's Day, Lee is putting childcare and education policies at the forefront, aiming to win support from voters in their 30s and 40s.
The "Children's Belt" proposed by Lee is a concept of integrated management of the section connecting the Children's Hall (to open in 2027), the Children's English Library (October 2026) and the Children's Traffic Park (March 2026). Within the zone, a network will be formed with private academies, convenience stores and pharmacies, and CCTV installation and Safe Zone mark attachment will be promoted. A linkage system with police stations, fire stations and emergency hospitals will also be established.
The "Kkumnarae Shuttle Bus," connecting the old downtown area with the Wirye and Gamil districts, will also be operated on a trial basis. Through a smartphone app, a "safety notification service" that provides real-time location and estimated arrival time will be offered.
◇Facility Investment Takes Shape…Kidzania Agreement Signed
Facility investment is also being accelerated. The Cheonmasan Children's Forest Playground, pushed forward during Lee's term, will be completed in May. The remodeling of 10 children's parks, ending with Hanmaeum Park and Saehuimang Park in the old downtown, will also be completed this year. The Wirye Hakam Stream Water Play Area and the Gamil Flower Garden are scheduled to open in 2027.
The Children's Hall, a five-story building with a total floor area of 4,450 square meters set to open in 2027, has signed an operational advisory agreement with Kidzania. It will house a public-type kids' cafe (first floor), age-specific play experience rooms (second and third floors) and a rooftop futsal field. The Children's English Library (total floor area of 3,753 square meters), to be built in the Misa New Town this October, will be operated with resident native-speaking instructors.
Lee cited the achievements of his term under the 8th popularly elected local government as grounds for his re-election bid. He mentioned winning the "Children Are Happiness" grand prize three times — a first in Gyeonggi Province — along with the establishment of elementary school entrance support funds (100,000 won), and the introduction of school security guards and walking school buses.
"The 8th popularly elected government proved itself through results, not words, and the 9th will be even more," Lee said. "Based on proven drive, I will complete the best city in Korea for raising children."
