Councillor Pyeon Yong-dae: 'Public Facilities Closing on Holidays is Deceiving Residents... A Complete Overhaul of Operations is Needed'

Councillor Pyeon Yong-dae (People Power Party, Songdo 2·4·5) on the 2nd during the Yeonsu Cultural Foundation's major business report described the habitual holiday closure policy of public cultural facilities as 'administrative convenience' and launched a strong criticism. Councillor Pyeon pointed out the contradictory situation where facilities close on days when residents primarily have leisure time, which is mainly on weekends and holidays.

Councillor Pyeon stated, "If we continue to close on Mondays and also close on all public holidays, it results in about 100 days of closure out of 365 days a year," and admonished, "If facilities funded by residents' taxes close on the days residents are off, how can that be considered a facility for the residents?" He particularly emphasized that workers and students are being excluded from cultural benefits.

As a specific alternative, Councillor Pyeon mentioned the 'Songdo Cultural Maru', which is set to open in the 8th district of Songdo. He said, "In other municipalities, there are many cases where staff shift work or flexible working hours are introduced to keep facilities open during some holidays or weekends," and urged, "Yeonsu District should demonstrate flexibility in staffing operations to redesign the operational plan so that residents can use the facilities whenever they want."

Choi Jae-yong, CEO of the Yeonsu Cultural Foundation, responded, "We will positively consider partial openings on public holidays or extending operating hours within the scope of staff working conditions and budget." Councillor Pyeon insisted, "The value of a facility does not lie in the grandeur of the building but in how conveniently it can be used by many residents," calling for proactive changes.