Gwangju City Makes All-Out Efforts to Host the Korea Local Era Expo

Selection in May After On-site Inspections and Review Committee
Leaping Forward as a Hub for Decentralization and Balanced Development
Economic Revitalization Linked to 'Visit Gwangju Year'

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong declared the hosting of the government-led "Local Era Expo" in Gwangju to mark 30 years of local autonomy and the first year of transition to resident autonomy councils at the inauguration ceremony of the 5th Gwangju Residents' Autonomy Federation Presidium held on the 10th in the city hall's main conference room. Photo by Gwangju City

Gwangju City has submitted its application to host the 'Korea Local Era Expo' and is making every effort to be selected as the host city. Marking the 30th anniversary of local autonomy, the city plans to leap forward as a hub for decentralization and balanced regional development.

On the 30th, Gwangju City announced that it had submitted the '2025 Korea Local Era Expo Application' to the Local Era Committee, which includes details on the venue, transportation and accommodation support plans, Gwangju’s unique strengths, and the expected effects of hosting the event.

The Korea Local Era Expo is the nation’s largest regional fair, where policies on local autonomy, decentralization, and balanced development are discussed, and outstanding regional development cases are shared. It is a national event co-hosted by the Local Era Committee, central government ministries, 17 metropolitan and provincial governments, and boards of education.

Previously, at the inauguration ceremony of the Gwangju Residents’ Autonomy Association attended by about 500 citizens, Mayor Kang Gijung declared the city’s bid to host the expo, stating, "As this marks the 30th year of local autonomy and the first year of 100% transition to residents’ autonomy associations, we will lead decentralization and balanced regional development, and create a turning point for the advancement of resident autonomy."

The city plans to maximize the use of local infrastructure such as the Kimdaejung Convention Center, promote the event in conjunction with local festivals and the '2025 Visit Gwangju Year,' and attract visitors with diverse programs and attractions during the expo period to gain a competitive edge in the bidding process.

Gwangju City is leading the way with region-specific policies such as integrated care unique to Gwangju and the establishment of a demonstration city, as well as the development of advanced industries. The city has also become the first in the nation to achieve 100% transition of all neighborhoods to residents’ autonomy associations and operates a citizen-centered policy evaluation expo year-round. Through hosting the Local Era Expo, Gwangju aims to showcase its achievements in local autonomy nationwide and revitalize the local economy.

This year, in particular, Gwangju will hold a series of major events such as the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, the 2025 Gwangju World Para Archery Championships, the Gwangju Design Biennale, and the 10th anniversary of the National Asia Culture Center (ACC). With the launch of special tourism products offering discounts on accommodation and transportation, hosting the Local Era Expo is expected to create synergy with the '2025 Visit Gwangju Year.'

Lee Byungcheol, Director of Planning and Coordination, said, "This year marks both the 30th anniversary of local autonomy and the Visit Gwangju Year. If we host the expo, it is expected to bring nationwide attention to Gwangju and have a positive impact on revitalizing the local economy. As a city leading the local era, we will do our utmost to enhance Gwangju’s status and create new momentum for regional development."

Meanwhile, the 'Korea Local Era Expo' has been held as a combined event of the Local Autonomy Expo and the Balanced Development Expo since 2022, taking place in Busan in 2022, Daejeon in 2023, and Chuncheon, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in 2024. The Local Era Committee plans to select the host city in May after comprehensive reviews, including on-site inspections and deliberations by the review committee.