On August 13, 2025, the city of Suwon marked a milestone in public safety and community engagement with the opening of the long-awaited Suwon Paldal Police Station. The new facility, located in the heart of Paldal District, stands as a testament to over a decade of persistent civic advocacy, government planning, and the ongoing drive to strengthen security for residents. The event not only celebrated the completion of Suwon’s four-police-station network but also set the stage for a series of community-focused safety initiatives, including the launch of the 6th 'Our Police Road Safety Life Festival 2025.'
The road to this moment has been anything but straightforward. According to Kyeongin Ilbo, the push for a dedicated police station in Paldal dates back to the aftermath of the notorious 2012 'Oh Won-chun incident,' which sent shockwaves through the nation and left Suwon’s citizens deeply unsettled. In the years that followed, residents and local leaders alike rallied for increased police presence and resources, determined to close the gaps in public safety exposed by the crime.
Yeom Tae-young, a member of the National Assembly representing Suwon and a former mayor, was at the forefront of these efforts. At the opening ceremony, Yeom reflected on the journey, stating, “The establishment of the Paldal Police Station was one of the most pressing issues for our district. After a series of horrific incidents, citizens were living in fear and the need to address blind spots in crime prevention became urgent.” He continued, “Looking around the station today, I am filled with emotion, recalling all the hard work that went into making this a reality.”
The newly completed Paldal Police Station is impressive in both scale and modernity. Built on a 15,052 square meter plot in Jidong, the facility rises four stories above ground and boasts a total floor area of 10,521 square meters. As of the opening, 254 police officers and 296 administrative and dispatch staff—totaling 550 personnel—have been assigned to the station, with plans to add eight more soon, bringing the total to 558. The building itself is not just a symbol of safety, but a practical hub designed to support a full range of law enforcement and community services.
The journey to this point was marked by bureaucratic hurdles and local challenges. As detailed by Kyeongin Ilbo, Yeom Tae-young, during his tenure as mayor in 2014, spearheaded the campaign to secure a new police station. By 2016, the central government approved the construction, and in 2017, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety gave the final green light, allocating the necessary budget. Over the next several years, city officials worked through issues such as land acquisition, height restrictions near Suwon’s historical fortress, resident compensation negotiations, and traffic system improvements. Each obstacle was met with determination, culminating in the sleek, modern facility that now stands ready to serve.
Beyond the bricks and mortar, the Paldal Police Station represents a significant leap forward for public safety in southern Suwon. The facility is expected to enhance crime prevention, speed up emergency response times, and offer a more visible police presence—factors that local leaders believe will boost residents’ sense of security. Yeom Tae-young noted, “With the new station, the safety landscape of the entire region is set to change for the better.” He also extended congratulations to the people of Paldal, as well as to residents of the now fully named districts of Jangan, Gwonseon, and Yeongtong, all of whom benefit from the completed four-station network.
The spirit of community engagement was further underscored on the same day with the launch of the 6th 'Our Police Road Safety Life Festival 2025.' According to Chunji Ilbo and Sisa Focus, the festival’s opening ceremony was held at the National Police Agency’s conference room in Seoul, with participation from the Korea Police Agency and local officials. The festival, which runs from August 23 to 29, continues a campaign initiated in 2005 to promote road safety and public safety education.
The week-long event features a variety of programs involving police officers and local citizens, all aimed at raising awareness about road safety and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and the public. Activities include educational workshops, safety demonstrations, and collaborative campaigns designed to reduce accidents and improve community trust. The festival’s overarching goal is to strengthen the bond between the police and the residents they serve, reinforcing the idea that public safety is a shared responsibility.
“This festival is about more than just rules and regulations,” emphasized a Korea Police Agency spokesperson at the opening. “It’s about building a culture of safety, where police and citizens work side by side to make our roads and neighborhoods safer for everyone.” The event’s schedule is packed with interactive opportunities, from traffic safety education for children to joint patrols and accident prevention seminars. By encouraging active participation, organizers hope to embed a sense of ownership and accountability within the community.
The timing of the festival is no coincidence. The opening of the new Paldal Police Station provides an ideal backdrop for these initiatives, symbolizing a new era of proactive, community-centered policing in Suwon. The partnership between law enforcement and citizens, highlighted by both the station’s inauguration and the festival, is seen as crucial to maintaining the city’s momentum toward greater safety and resilience.
Looking ahead, the Suwon Paldal Police Station is expected to play a central role in ongoing efforts to improve public safety not only through traditional law enforcement but also by supporting educational outreach and neighborhood engagement. Local leaders hope the station will serve as a model for other districts seeking to balance security with community trust.
For residents who remember the fear and uncertainty that once gripped their neighborhoods, the new station and the festival’s collaborative spirit offer a welcome sense of closure—and a hopeful path forward. As Yeom Tae-young put it, “This is not just a building, but a promise to our citizens that their safety and well-being will always come first.”
With the doors of the Paldal Police Station now open, and a renewed commitment to road safety and public engagement, Suwon is turning the page on a troubled chapter and embracing a future defined by vigilance, partnership, and peace of mind.
