Governor Kim Youngrok Vows to Make Jeollanam-do a Key Driver of Korea’s Growth

Three Years of the 8th Civil Election Administration: Achievements in Stabilizing Livelihoods and Expanding SOC
Presenting Directions for Renewable Energy, High-Tech Industries, and K-Culture

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is delivering a press conference statement on the 3rd anniversary of the launch of the 8th civil election administration at the provincial government briefing room on the morning of the 26th. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On the 26th, Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "Jeollanam-do will achieve greater progress by focusing on livelihoods, renewable energy, high-tech industries, K-culture, AI-driven advanced agriculture and fisheries, and SOC (social overhead capital)."

On the morning of the same day, Governor Kim held a press conference at the provincial government briefing room to mark the third anniversary of the launch of the 8th civil election administration, where he announced major achievements to date and outlined future plans.

The Jeollanam-do budget surpassed 13 trillion won, representing a 73% increase compared to 2018. National government funding also rose from the 6 trillion won range to the 9 trillion won range. In addition, private investments exceeding 28 trillion won have continued, and exports of agricultural and marine products reached a record high of 780 million dollars.

Kim exports increased more than threefold to 360 million dollars. The number of tourists surpassed 63 million, up from 50 million in 2018. As a result, these achievements have brought positive changes to the lives of residents. Jeollanam-do’s per capita personal income rose to 9th place nationwide, and household income climbed to 8th place, marking a significant leap for the province’s economy into the mid-tier ranks.

The main achievements of the three years under the 8th civil election administration include: ▲stabilizing the local economy and expanding welfare, ▲leading the energy transition and innovation in high-tech industries, ▲fostering the growth of an attractive Jeollanam-do, ▲establishing the foundation for innovation in future-oriented advanced agriculture and fisheries, ▲initiating large-scale SOC expansion, ▲strengthening self-sustaining competitiveness, and ▲proving itself as a bastion of democracy.

Governor Kim emphasized, "Efforts to protect livelihoods, foster renewable energy and high-tech industries, and cultivate artificial intelligence are perfectly aligned with the new government's policy direction, laying the groundwork for even greater progress. We will mobilize all our capabilities to ensure Jeollanam-do’s core projects are reflected in the new government’s national agenda and are vigorously promoted at the national level, so that we do not miss new opportunities for advancement."

First, he presented the restoration of the local economy as the top priority for provincial administration, outlining plans to realize 'Jeollanam-do that takes responsibility for livelihoods.' The province is currently providing support to export-affected businesses, the petrochemical and steel industries, and public utility payments for good price businesses, and is strengthening practical policies that residents can feel, such as issuing 1.3 trillion won worth of local love gift certificates. Going forward, Jeollanam-do plans to focus all efforts on economic recovery for residents, centered on the Emergency Local Economic Situation Room.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to creating 'a Jeollanam-do of change and innovation' that generates new momentum for national growth through regional strength. He declared his determination to establish a national medical school, attract the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP33) to the southern coastal region centered on Yeosu, and strategically pursue the relocation of key public institutions such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives.

He also pledged to realize 'Jeollanam-do as the energy capital of Korea,' leading the nation’s energy transition.

Governor Kim stated, "By 2030, we will establish 23GW-scale offshore wind and solar power complexes, and attract hyperscalers like Google and Amazon through special districts for distributed energy and RE100 industrial complexes. We will build the world’s largest AI super cluster hub in Solaseado and open the era of '1 trillion won in basic energy income,' sharing renewable energy profits with residents and creating an innovative model to overcome the crisis of regional extinction."

In addition, to respond to the climate crisis and the era of artificial intelligence, the province will accelerate the realization of 'Jeollanam-do as a mecca for advanced AI agriculture and fisheries.' Plans include establishing a National Subtropical Crop Demonstration Center and an Agri-food Climate Change Response Center to lay the foundation for climate-adaptive agriculture.

Furthermore, he announced the goal of building 'Jeollanam-do within one hour from anywhere.' The plan includes constructing wide-area transportation networks such as the Jeolla Line high-speed railway, the West Coast Railway, the Space Expressway, the Gyeongjeon Line, and the Jeonnam-style tram.

Governor Kim said, "Going forward, we will create a 'bigger and greater Jeollanam-do' that shines on the global stage, where the dreams of our residents become reality and their happiness becomes the province’s pride."