Councilman Byeon Yong-dae: "Public Facilities Closing on Holidays Deceives Residents... A Complete Overhaul of Operations is Needed"

On the 2nd, Byeon Yong-dae, a member of the Incheon City Council (People Power Party, Songdo 2, 4, 5), criticized the habitual holiday closing policy of public cultural facilities as 'administrative convenience' during a major business report from the Incheon Cultural Foundation. He pointed out the contradictory situation where facilities close on weekends and holidays, despite residents' leisure time being concentrated on those days.

He stated, "If we continue to close on regular Mondays and all holidays, it results in about 100 days a year that facilities are closed," and questioned, "If facilities funded by residents' taxes close on days when residents are off, how can they be considered facilities for the residents?" He particularly emphasized that workers and students are being excluded from cultural benefits.

As a specific alternative, he mentioned the 'Songdo Cultural Maru' set to open in Songdo District 8. He said, "In other municipalities, there are many cases where staff shift work or flexible work systems are introduced to keep facilities open during some holidays or weekends," and urged, "Incheon should demonstrate flexibility in staffing and redesign operational plans so that residents can use the facilities whenever they want."

Choi Jae-yong, CEO of the Incheon Cultural Foundation, responded, "We will positively consider partial openings on holidays or extending operating hours within the scope of staff working conditions and budget." Byeon emphasized, "The value of a facility lies not in the grandeur of the building but in how conveniently many residents can use it," calling for proactive changes.