A 32,040㎡ Site with 1 Basement and 3 Above-Ground Floors... Targeting Opening in 2023
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Dongbu-gwon Integrated Government Building,' which will serve as a second government office where residents of the eastern region of Jeonnam Province can resolve civil complaints and enjoy cultural activities without visiting the provincial government office, was held.
Jeonnam Province announced on the 18th that it held the groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Dongbu-gwon Integrated Government Building,' a core project of Governor Kim Young-rok's 7th term, in the Sindae District of Suncheon.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Kim Young-rok, National Assembly member Seo Dong-yong, Chairman of the Provincial Council Kim Han-jong, provincial council members, mayors and county heads of the eastern region, chairpersons of city and county councils, and about 70 local residents.
Since the provincial government office is geographically biased toward the western region and the current Eastern Regional Headquarters lacks sufficient civil service functions, residents in the eastern region have experienced some inconvenience.
Accordingly, in September 2018, Governor Kim instructed the construction of a multipurpose government building that would encompass scattered provincial agencies in the eastern region to provide comprehensive and prompt administrative services to residents, as well as serve as an open space for cultural enjoyment, leading to the promotion of the integrated government building project.
With a project cost of 38.7 billion KRW, the building 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.
To prepare for future increases in administrative demand, the building will include office space for about 310 employees and parking for 810 vehicles, as well as a smart civil service room connected to the administrative computer network, allowing residents of the eastern region to handle civil complaints without visiting the provincial government office.
The facility will also significantly expand communication and relaxation spaces convenient for local residents, including a large auditorium, book cafe, multipurpose exhibition hall, open meeting rooms, and an urban garden.
In particular, the province declared this year as the 'Year of 2050 Carbon Neutrality' and is promoting strong low-carbon, eco-friendly energy policies such as mandating zero-carbon public buildings. The Dongbu-gwon Integrated Government Building is planned to be Jeonnam Province's first zero-carbon 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 for energy self-sufficiency, and rooftop greening and hydrogen fuel cell systems will be incorporated in the future.
Incorporating a future-oriented design concept, the building will be established as a new landmark of the region, especially featuring an eco-friendly atrium (skylight) at the center of the building to create a government office where nature breathes.
Governor Kim said, "The eastern region is home to 47% of the residents of seven cities and counties and is a future growth area of South Korea with unlimited potential for development in industry, economy, and culture. We have increased the area significantly beyond the original plan and will equip smart offices suited to the informatization and 4th industrial revolution era, while creating an open cultural plaza that accommodates diverse cultural needs of citizens."
He added, "We will additionally transfer provincial-level functions to coincide with the completion 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 and, after taking over environmental and forestry duties, currently houses six departments with about 120 employees. Its functions are expected to expand further once the integrated government building is completed.
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