Gwangju and Jeonnam Administrative Integration, A New Paradigm for Joint Development

Forum Held on 'Necessity and Tasks of City-Province Integration'
"Essential to Prevent Regional Extinction and Achieve Long-Term Development"
"Population Outflow and Economic Stagnation Continue Due to Wasted Time"
"Economic Synergy Effects and Enhanced Administrative Efficiency"

There has been an argument that administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam is necessary to prevent regional extinction and achieve long-term development.

Gwangju Jeonnam Future Vision and Gwangju Gonggam Solidarity announced on the 21st that they held the first forum of 2025 on the theme of 'The Necessity and Tasks of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration' at the Baekje Hall of Gwangju YMCA on the 20th.

On the 21st, Gwangju Jeonnam Future Vision and Gwangju Gonggam Solidarity held a forum discussing the necessity of administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam. Provided by Gwangju Gonggam Solidarity

The event proceeded with a keynote presentation by Lee Minwon, Professor Emeritus at Gwangju University (former Chairman of the National Balanced Development Committee), followed by designated discussants' opinions and free discussion among participants.

Professor Lee, who gave the keynote presentation, emphasized, "The administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam is essential to prevent regional extinction and achieve long-term development." He continued, "Up to now, Gwangju City and Jeonnam Province have wasted time, failing to seize important opportunities for regional development," and pointed out, "As a result of not establishing a vision for joint development through administrative integration, population outflow and economic stagnation have continued."

Professor Lee also criticized, "It is problematic that the results of research studies reviewing the necessity of administrative integration exist but are not disclosed," adding, "This has caused local residents to lose trust in the long-term direction for development." He further stated, "Through administrative integration, cooperation with the central government should be strengthened, institutional and financial support secured, and national projects attracted to reinforce local autonomy."

As a designated discussant, Naju Mong, Professor at Jeonnam University, analyzed, "If administrative integration is achieved, it can create economic synergy effects and improve administrative efficiency. Above all, it will play a significant role in preventing regional extinction." Kim Youngcheol, Professor at Keimyung University, also offered a positive outlook, saying, "The integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam will serve as an important stepping stone for establishing a new local government model that can compete with the Seoul metropolitan area."

The two professors further emphasized that administrative integration is not merely a reorganization of administrative districts, but could become a new paradigm for joint development between Gwangju and Jeonnam. They agreed that, as concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area intensifies, local cities must consolidate resources and coordinate policies through administrative integration to remain competitive.

Gwangju Jeonnam Future Vision and Gwangju Gonggam Solidarity stated that the purpose of this forum is to gather diverse opinions from the local community and build consensus on the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam.

An official from the forum's organizing committee said, "We will reflect the voices of local residents and experts to vitalize practical discussions on administrative integration," adding, "We also aim to strengthen communication with the central government and draw policy support."