Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do – Chungcheongnam-do's commitment to ethical governance took center stage at the recent 2025 Naepo Marathon, held on April 19th at the scenic Hongye Park. The Provincial Audit Committee, in a proactive effort to foster a culture of integrity that resonates with its citizens, operated a dedicated promotional booth throughout the event.

This initiative underscores the province's ongoing dedication to transparency and accountability in public administration. By engaging directly with the local community at a popular event like the marathon, the Audit Committee aimed to raise awareness and build trust in the government's anti-corruption efforts.

The promotional booth offered interactive activities designed to make the concept of clean governance more accessible and engaging. A key attraction was the distribution of temporary "Clean Chungnam" tattoo stickers, a simple yet effective way to visually promote the province's ethical stance. This playful approach helped to break down potential barriers and encourage conversations about integrity in a relaxed and informal setting.

Furthermore, the Audit Committee, in collaboration with the Chungnam Public Officials' Labor Union, conducted a crucial survey targeting the identification of areas within the public sector perceived as particularly vulnerable to corruption. This collaborative approach, bringing together the oversight body and the representatives of public employees, highlights a commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive strategy in tackling corruption. The insights gleaned from this survey will be invaluable in tailoring future anti-corruption measures and focusing resources where they are most needed.

Seong Woo-je, the Chairman of the Chungcheongnam-do Audit Committee, emphasized the significance of this outreach effort. "The Naepo Marathon provided a valuable platform to directly connect with our residents and clearly communicate Chungnam's unwavering dedication to clean governance," Chairman Seong stated. "Moving forward, we are committed to strengthening our collaboration with the public officials' labor union to develop and implement a diverse range of clean governance promotion activities that will have a tangible impact on the lives of our citizens."

The 2025 Naepo Marathon itself was a significant regional event, drawing participants and spectators from across Chungcheongnam-do and beyond. The event featured various race distances, including a half marathon (21.0975 km), a 10 km mini-marathon, and a 5 km health run, catering to a wide range of fitness levels. The race commenced at the Chungcheongnam-do Library intersection in Hongseong-gun, traversing the picturesque surroundings of Hongye Park.

The marathon was jointly hosted and organized by the Chungnam Athletics Federation and Chungcheong Today, a local media outlet. It also received significant sponsorship from Chungcheongnam-do province, the administrative divisions of Hongseong-gun and Yesan-gun, the Chungcheongnam-do Sports Council, the Chungnam Provincial Police Agency, the Hongseong Police Station, the Yesan Police Station, NH Nonghyup Bank, the Chungnam Development Corporation, and Chungnam Provincial University, underscoring the broad community support for the event.

Hongye Park, the venue for both the marathon and the clean governance promotion booth, is a significant landmark within the Naepo New City development. This eco-friendly park is known for its scenic beauty, particularly its maple trees which display vibrant foliage in the autumn. It serves as a popular recreational area for residents and also plays a role in environmental education, showcasing local flora and fauna. The park's central location within Naepo New City, a rapidly growing administrative hub for Chungcheongnam-do, made it an ideal location to engage a large and diverse segment of the population.

Chungcheongnam-do has been actively pursuing various initiatives to enhance transparency and combat corruption within its administration. These efforts align with broader national policies aimed at fostering a clean and ethical public sector. The province's proactive engagement at the Naepo Marathon is a testament to its commitment to not only implement anti-corruption measures but also to actively involve the community in this crucial endeavor. By fostering a shared understanding and promoting a culture of integrity, Chungcheongnam-do aims to build a more transparent, accountable, and trustworthy government for its citizens. The collaboration with the Public Officials' Labor Union signifies a recognition that fostering a clean governance environment requires the buy-in and active participation of public employees themselves.

The success of the clean governance promotion at the Naepo Marathon suggests a positive step towards achieving a "Clean Chungnam," where ethical conduct is not just a policy but a deeply ingrained value within the public sector and the wider community. The province's continued efforts in this area will be crucial in building public trust and ensuring the efficient and ethical delivery of public services. 

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