Civic Action Projects for Sustainable Development

Dangjin’s rapid industrial growth, driven by major steel and thermal power companies near Dangjin Port, led to economic prosperity but also caused environmental pollution, inequality, and social polarization. In response, the city adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on “leaving no one behind.” It launched the vision “Future We Make Together, Sustainable Dangjin” to address social injustice and promote citizen participation. The city implemented Dangjin-style citizen engagement governance, allowing residents to propose and shape sustainable policies through grassroots democracy. With 170,000 citizens actively involved, Dangjin aims to create an ecological and sustainable city where people, nature, and industry thrive together. By shifting away from growth-centered policies, the city fosters inclusive development based on communication, participation, and shared responsibility.