Building Resident Consensus... Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province Initiative Resumes in Earnest

Residents Briefing Held at Eastern Regional Headquarters on the 19th
Sharing the Significance of Establishing Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province
Building Consensus on a Decisive Step for Regional Survival

On the 19th, Jeollanam-do held an Eastern region residents briefing session to enhance residents' understanding and broaden consensus on the establishment of 'Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province.' Photo by Jeonnam Province

On June 19, Jeollanam-do held an Eastern region residents briefing session at the Eastern Regional Headquarters to enhance residents' understanding and broaden consensus on the establishment of the 'Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province.'

This proactive initiative aims to prepare for the full-scale National Assembly review of the 'Special Act on the Establishment of Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province' following the launch of the new administration. The province is working to build public consensus and to make recommendations to the government and the National Assembly in advance.

The briefing session, co-hosted by Jeollanam-do and the Jeonnam Research Institute, was attended by Jeong Younggyun and Han Sukkyung, members of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council, as well as representatives from local social organizations and related institutions, village leaders, civil complaint messengers, city and county officials, and approximately 400 residents.

The session explained the purpose of establishing the Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province and the main contents of the special act, provided a detailed overview of the legislative process and future plans, and helped foster resident interest and consensus on the establishment of the special province. In addition, the main special provisions included in the act were introduced, and a Q&A session was held to gather a wide range of residents' opinions on the Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province.

Song Hyojin, a professor at Sungkyul University, and Lee Byunghyun, a researcher at the Jeonnam Research Institute, who presented on the main topics, emphasized that Jeollanam-do is at the forefront of the local extinction crisis due to population decline, aging, and youth outmigration. They stressed that a stronger institutional response system is needed compared to other regions. They also highlighted the need for customized transfer of authority and expanded autonomy tailored to each city and province so that regions can achieve self-sufficiency under the current Seoul metropolitan-centered system.

The 'Special Act on the Establishment of Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province to Overcome the Local Extinction Crisis,' proposed last June by all National Assembly members representing the Jeollanam region, consists of 6 parts, 10 chapters, 73 articles, and supplementary provisions. It reflects the establishment of the Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province, customized special provisions for authority, and regulatory relaxation.

Key special provisions include: the establishment of childbirth encouragement policies to address low birth rates; designation of special rural vitalization zones to promote rural vitality and investment; transfer of renewable energy-related licensing authority to foster new energy industries; development of tourist destinations to create global tourism hubs; creation of advanced science and technology complexes; transfer of integrated management authority for environmental pollution facilities; designation of international logistics zones for airports and ports; and the granting of visa issuance rights (regional visas) for foreign residents staying within the province.

The 'Special Act on the Establishment of Jeollanam Special Self-Governing Province' was submitted to the plenary session of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee in September last year and referred to the subcommittee on bills. However, discussions were suspended due to the impeachment crisis and the early presidential election. With the launch of the new administration, full-scale discussions are expected to resume, and Jeollanam-do plans to make every effort, together with the provincial council and local political circles, to persuade the National Assembly and the government.