Governor Kim Youngrok: "Revival of the Eastern Region, Now Is the Jeonnam Era"

Response to the Crisis in Petrochemical and Steel Industries
Achievements in Revitalizing Local Commercial Districts
Emphasis on Venture Startups, High-Tech Industries, and K-Tourism

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok held a press conference on the third anniversary of the 8th term at Suncheon Ecograd Hotel on the 8th, presenting the "Achievements and Vision of the Eastern Jeonnam Region." Provided by Jeonnam Province

On the 8th, Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok held a press conference for the eastern region, where he explained the achievements to date, such as responding to the crisis in the petrochemical and steel industries and revitalizing local commercial districts. He also expressed his ambition to usher in the "OK, Now is the Jeonnam Era" by driving the revival of the eastern region for the next 100 years.

At the press conference, which was held at Suncheon Ecograd Hotel to mark the third anniversary of the 8th term, Governor Kim stated, "The eastern region accounts for a significant portion of Jeonnam's population and economy, serving as a key pillar of regional development." He particularly emphasized, "The seven cities and counties in the eastern region have achieved remarkable results and are paving the way for a greater future for Jeonnam."

He mentioned that major industries such as petrochemicals and steel are facing a serious crisis due to pressures for industrial restructuring caused by the recent US-China trade conflict, the Trump administration's tariff policies, and China's indiscriminate low-price offensive. He said, "We are putting all our efforts into prioritizing the recovery of the local economy, with a focus on people's livelihoods, in order to quickly revive the industrial sites and local commercial districts of the eastern region."

In April this year, Jeonnam Province allocated an additional budget of 500 billion won to support companies affected by export losses to the US and to assist the petrochemical and steel industries, focusing on the recovery of the local economy.

Additionally, through the new central government supplementary budget, the province secured 204.2 billion won for a total of 12 long-awaited projects. Of this, the amount allocated to the SOC sector accounted for 20% of the national total, achieving the largest project budget in the country.

Governor Kim stressed, "We will also swiftly implement support projects for local industries, such as petrochemicals, which are the core of the eastern region's economy, so that the effects are felt on the ground." He added, "We are pushing for the early issuance of local gift certificates worth 1.3 trillion won, and in the latest central government supplementary budget, Jeonnam Province secured the largest possible share of the government budget for these local gift certificates."

Jeonnam Province is striving to strengthen administrative functions and improve convenience for residents in the eastern region. Two years ago, the eastern regional office was newly opened, the head of the eastern regional headquarters was promoted to grade 2, and about 280 employees are now working across 5 bureaus and 12 departments.

Governor Kim presented his vision, saying, "We will devote all our capabilities to ensure that the efforts we have prepared for the great leap forward of the eastern region are successfully realized in line with the new government's policy direction." He continued, "In this historic period of transformation, we will open the door to new hope for the great leap forward of the eastern region by developing it as a core hub of future high-tech industries and global tourism and culture."

By sector, the plan is to foster the region as the true starting point for Korea's growth, where ventures, startups, and high-tech industries advance together. To this end, the province will promote initiatives such as the "Petrochemical and Steel Mega Project" for the resurgence of the petrochemical and steel industries, which are facing global challenges.

Furthermore, the eastern region will be developed as a global tourism and cultural hub leading K-Tourism and K-Content worldwide. Specific plans include: designating a "Year of Island Visits" and launching coastal cruises to ensure the successful hosting of the "2026 Yeosu World Island Expo"; investing 1.5 trillion won to develop the Yeosu Gyeongdo Marine Tourism Complex into Korea's premier luxury tourist destination; and building the Namhaean Marine Tourism Belt through the creation of marine tourism complexes such as the Yeosu Dolsan Integrated Marine Leisure Tourism City, Yeosu Hwayang Integrated Tourism Complex, Goheung Marine Art Land, and Boseong Yulpo Marine Complex Center.

In addition, the province plans to complete a comprehensive southern coastal transportation network by expanding ultra-wide-area SOC, establishing the region as a central axis of future innovation that will generate national growth momentum.

Governor Kim stated, "Now, as the new government's philosophy and policy direction align remarkably well with the core policies Jeonnam has pursued so far, we will focus all our capabilities to ensure we do not miss this new opportunity for advancement." He added, "We will fully seize this decisive opportunity for Jeonnam's development, setting the stage for the revival and great leap forward of the eastern region over the next 100 years, and, together with the residents, vigorously open the 'OK, Now is the Jeonnam Era.'"