Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok's Key Project, Groundbreaking of Eastern Region Integrated Government Building

Plan to additionally transfer provincial-level functions at the time of completion
378 billion KRW invested in Jeonnam Carbon Zero No.1 building, scheduled for completion in May 2023

Guests including Governor Kim Young-rok, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the integrated government building in the eastern region of Jeollanam-do, are performing a ceremony (Photo by Jeonnam).

[Suncheon=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Jeonnam Province announced that it held a groundbreaking ceremony on the 18th at the Shindae District in Suncheon for the construction of the ‘Jeonnam Province Eastern Region Integrated Government Building,’ a key project of Governor Kim Young-rok.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by about 70 people, including Governor Kim Young-rok, National Assembly member Seo Dong-yong, Chairman of the Provincial Council Kim Han-jong and council members, mayors and county heads of the eastern region, chairpersons of city and county councils, and local residents.

Until now, the provincial government office has been geographically concentrated in the western region, and the current Eastern Regional Headquarters lacked sufficient civil service functions, causing significant inconvenience to residents of the eastern region.

The integrated government building project began in September 2018 when Governor Kim Young-rok instructed the construction of a multipurpose building that would encompass provincial government-affiliated institutions scattered across the eastern region, providing comprehensive and prompt administrative services to eastern residents as well as an open space where culture can be enjoyed.

The Eastern Region Integrated Government Building, with a project cost of 38.7 billion KRW, will be constructed on a 30,240㎡ site with one basement floor and three above-ground floors, totaling a gross floor area of 13,000㎡, and is scheduled to open in May 2023.

The integrated building will be equipped with office spaces for about 310 employees to prepare for future increases in administrative demand and parking for 810 vehicles. It will also feature a smart civil service room connected to the administrative network, allowing eastern residents to handle civil affairs without visiting the provincial office. Additionally, communication and relaxation spaces such as a large auditorium, book caf?, multipurpose exhibition hall, open meeting rooms, and an urban garden will be significantly expanded for convenient use by local residents.

Jeonnam Province declared this year as the ‘Year of 2050 Carbon Neutrality’ and is promoting strong low-carbon, eco-friendly energy policies, including mandatory carbon-zero public buildings. The Eastern Region Integrated Government Building is planned to be constructed as Jeonnam Province’s first carbon-zero building.

To minimize energy loss, a high-insulation and high-air-tightness architectural system will be applied. Large-scale solar power facilities will be installed in the parking lot to achieve energy self-sufficiency, and rooftop greening and hydrogen fuel cell systems will be incorporated in the future.

With a future-oriented design concept, the building will be established as a new landmark of the region. In particular, an eco-friendly atrium (skylight) will be installed in the center of the building to create a government building where nature breathes.

Governor Kim Young-rok stated, “The eastern region is a future growth area of South Korea with unlimited development potential in terms of industry, economy, and culture, where 47% of the residents of seven cities and counties live.” He added, “We have significantly increased the area from the original plan and intend to create a smart office and an open cultural plaza that accommodates the diverse cultural needs of citizens in line with the informatization and 4th industrial revolution era.” He also said, “Upon completion, we will additionally transfer provincial-level functions to make the integrated government building a starting point for the development of the eastern region.”

The current Eastern Regional Headquarters started as the Eastern Branch Office in October 2005, took over environmental and forestry duties, and currently has over 120 employees across six departments. It is expected that its functions will be further expanded once the integrated government building is completed.