Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, "No Practical Benefit in Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Special Union, Administrative Integration is the Answer"

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, advocating for administrative integration instead of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Special Union. / Photo by Ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, announced on the 19th at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government briefing room his position that the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Special Union is a 'waste of costs.'

Governor Park stated, "The fundamental purpose of cooperation among Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam is to overcome the concentration in the metropolitan area and achieve balanced regional development, but except for Yangsan and Gimhae, other local governments in Gyeongnam receive almost no benefits."

According to the province, current laws related to the Special Union only provide grounds for establishing the Special Union, but there is no basis for independent authority over metropolitan administrative tasks, national support strategies, or necessary financial support.

The province expressed concerns about the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Special Union, citing the inability to secure substantial independent revenue sources, unclear representation of the Special Union heads and council members, and difficulties in ensuring accountability due to the rotational term system.

Governor Park said, "Without establishing grounds for financial support or delegation of national affairs, there is no practical benefit," and added, "Since Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam were once a single local government, it is essential to integrate again as one family to overcome the local crisis."

He continued, "Park Hyung-joon, Mayor of Busan, has conveyed his consent to administrative integration," emphasizing, "If Ulsan does not agree, we plan to proceed with administrative integration with Busan alone."

Governor Park stated, "If efforts among local governments begin now, there is no reason why the 2026 election cannot be for an integrated local government head, and through integration, the Busan World Expo can be hosted on a larger scale," adding, "During my term, I do not consider a special local government and will focus solely on integration."