Kim Byung-nae, Mayor of Gwangju Nam-gu, "Local Economy Will Soar Vigorously"

Kim Byeong-nae, Mayor of Nam-gu, Gwangju, expressed his aspirations on the 28th regarding the new year of Gapjin, stating, "Just as the blue dragon breaks through the clouds and ascends, the local economy will also soar vigorously," pledging to devote all efforts to economic revitalization.

He also presented a blueprint to strengthen the top filial integrated care that embraces the hearts of neighbors facing greater difficulties amid economic hardships, and to expand the One Household One Power Plant project that supplies renewable energy to houses and commercial buildings to realize an energy-equal society through carbon neutrality.

The most prominent area in Mayor Kim Byeong-nae’s New Year’s address was the economy.

Due to the slowdown in domestic and international economic growth rates in 2024, instability in international affairs, and the acceleration of low birth rates and aging population casting a shadow over society as a whole, he judged that policies to invigorate the local economy must be pursued with speed from the beginning of the year.

He said, "In preparation for this situation, we have laid the foundation for the local economy since the 7th and 8th terms of the elected administration," adding, "The national and local industrial complexes in the Daechon area, Songam Industrial Complex as the forward base for cultural and digital industries, and the rapidly developing Baegun Plaza will serve as the three main pillars in creating an economic city where businesses and local commercial districts grow together."

He particularly highlighted the national and local industrial complexes and Songam Industrial Complex as the two major forces driving greater change in Nam-gu.

In the national industrial complex, the Energy Industry Convergence Complex Comprehensive Support Center, Energy Knowledge Industry Center, and Chonnam National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation R&D cluster are being established one after another, while in the local industrial complex, the completion of construction has led to an increase in companies signing lease contracts.

He also pointed out that Songam Industrial Complex is transforming from a car maintenance-centered area to a future automobile aftermarket based on culture and digital industries through urban regeneration projects.

Plans are also in place to strengthen community projects utilizing a dense welfare network for the happy lives of residents.

Mayor Kim stated, "Through the 7979 Center and the top filial integrated care services, we will eliminate welfare blind spots and provide customized services that care for the hearts of beneficiaries, including youth preparing for independence, single-person households, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly."

In particular, by pursuing UNICEF Child-Friendly City certification, they aim to create an environment where children can grow happily, and focus on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through the opening of the Bandabi Gymnasium and the operation of cultural and artistic groups.

Alongside this, to achieve carbon neutrality and respond to climate change, the Nam-gu Regeneration e 50+ project aiming for a 50% renewable energy self-sufficiency rate by 2030 and strategic projects such as the bicycle healing shop will be promoted to create an eco-friendly city that coexists with nature.

He explained, "With the selection for the government-led renewable energy convergence support public project, we will expand the One Household One Power Plant project supporting solar power and solar thermal facilities, and gradually improve infrastructure such as operating healing shops that provide free maintenance for residents’ everyday bicycles to promote bicycle use."

Additionally, he emphasized that Baegun Plaza, newly reborn through the old downtown urban regeneration project, and the Time Post Office in Sajik-dong, opening next year, will serve as stepping stones to becoming an attractive tourist city.

Mayor Kim Byeong-nae said, "The Baegun Plaza project is in its final stages, and the Green Road Bridge is planned to be temporarily opened before the Lunar New Year holiday. In particular, Baegun Plaza will be reborn as a meeting place and a space to enjoy various cultures," adding, "Together with the Time Post Office, it will be a foundation for the growth of the local commercial district and tourism industry."