Seoul's Jongno District is accepting entries for its 2026 Jongno Idea Contest until Oct. 30, seeking residents' input for the ninth term of popularly elected local government since direct elections resumed.
Submissions are invited in four categories — welfare, culture and the economy, safety and transport, and artificial intelligence and smart administration — as well as on topics of the entrant's choosing.
The contest is open to anyone regardless of where they live or how old they are, and ideas may be submitted as a written proposal or a short video.
Entries can be sent by email or post, or delivered in person to the district office's planning and budget division.
Proposals that clear an initial screening will go to a public preference vote that will determine the winners. Prize money and certificates will be awarded, with 1 million won ($720) for the top prize, and 50 entrants will be selected by lottery to receive coffee gift vouchers.
The district said it plans to draw on the submissions in shaping future policy.