Governor Kim Youngrok: "No Objection to Temporary Relocation of Gwangju Airport International Flights"

Presiding Over the First Policy Meeting for the Eastern Region in the New Year
Announcing Full-Scale Efforts for Local Economic Recovery
Calling for Crisis Response in the Petrochemical Industrial Complex
Discussing Regional Issues Including the Establishment of a National Medical School
Urging the Government to Enact a Supplementary Budget for Livelihood Support
Recognizing and Seeking Solutions for the Difficulties Faced by the Travel Industry

On the morning of the 19th, Governor Kim Youngrok is presiding over a policy meeting with department heads at the Jeollanam-do Eastern Government Complex. Photo by Jeonnam Province

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, emphasized on the 19th that he would make every effort to resolve current issues such as the recovery of the local economy, preparations for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, response to crises in the petrochemical and steel industrial complexes, and securing the top priority allocation for a national medical school through a grand compromise with the medical community.

Governor Kim held the first policy meeting of the year for the eastern region at the Eastern Government Complex that morning.

At the meeting, Governor Kim stated, "Last year, the state of emergency froze the country, lowered national credibility, and even a passenger plane disaster occurred, making the situation difficult not only for Jeollanam-do but for the entire country. Therefore, we must thoroughly manage not only the local economy but also all other sectors," and urged, "The government should quickly push for a super supplementary budget of 30 trillion won and announce policies to revitalize the local economy."

He added, "Due to the high number of small business closures and ongoing difficulties, we need to stimulate consumption by providing emergency livelihood support of about 200,000 won per person. In terms of regional effectiveness, Jeollanam-do has preemptively issued 350 billion won worth of local gift certificates. The Democratic Party announced a plan to issue 2 trillion won in the super supplementary budget, but compared to the 5.5 trillion won for Onnuri gift certificates, this is insufficient and should be increased."

He also expressed his position on the recent issue raised by Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong regarding the relocation of international flights from Muan Airport.

Governor Kim said, "The temporary operation of international flights at Gwangju Airport is only for a limited period, and since the closure of Muan Airport is causing difficulties for the travel industry, there is no reason to oppose it. We need to alleviate the hardships faced by the travel industry."

He also highlighted the achievements and crisis response plans for the eastern region of Jeollanam-do.

So far, Jeollanam-do has designated 470,000 pyeong for secondary batteries, 360,000 pyeong for hydrogen, and 31,000 pyeong for cultural content as special opportunity development zones in the eastern region. Anchor companies and large corporations have been attracted to these zones and to the Goheung Space National Industrial Complex, and the promotion of venture startups is also being actively pursued as a key project.

In addition, projects such as the selection of the Jeolla Line high-speed rail project for preliminary feasibility study, the commencement of construction of the Yeosu-Namhae undersea tunnel, and the inclusion of the Goheung-Bongrae, Yeosu Dolsan-Udu, and Suncheon Haeryong bypass roads as preliminary feasibility study projects have been achieved.

Governor Kim further encouraged, "To ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, we have added 42.8 billion won to the existing budget of 24.8 billion won. Although the event is next year, we must include it as a major task in the maritime and fisheries sector from this year and prepare thoroughly."

Regarding the petrochemical industrial complex, he stated, "The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has announced that it will come up with special measures. However, do not just wait for the ministry's measures. Collaborate with Yeosu and actively develop countermeasures at the local level to propose to the government."

On the establishment of a national medical school, he said, "It is a difficult issue without a grand compromise with the medical community. Therefore, on the 24th, we are preparing a National Assembly forum and resolution meeting for the establishment of a national medical school at Jeonnam Integrated University. Some question whether this can be achieved under the acting authority system, but since this system is expected to continue until March or April, let's persuade the medical community together with local lawmakers so that the new quota for the national medical school in Jeollanam-do will be given top priority in the discussion of medical school quotas for the 2026 academic year."