Suncheon City ranked first in the 2025 Local Government Sustainable Development ESG Evaluation by the ESG Happiness Economy Research Institute.
The evaluation measured the sustainable development and administrative performance of local governments using 106 indicators in the three areas environment, society, and governance. A total of 17 metropolitan and 226 basic local governments across the country were assessed.
Suncheon City received high scores in all categories and was recognized as a “model city for sustainable urban governance.” The ESG Happiness Economy Research Institute launched this evaluation in 2021 to assess local governments’ sustainability efforts and strengthen ESG-based administration. This year marks the third round of the assessment.