"With just one year remaining in the 8th popularly elected term, I will work together with cities and counties to complete provincial governance with unwavering passion solely for the residents."
Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Park Wansu made this statement at the "2025 2nd Mayors and County Governors Policy Meeting" held in the main conference hall of the provincial government building on August 13, 2025.
Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Park Wansu is leading the '2025 2nd Mayors and County Governors Policy Meeting.' Photo by Gyeongsangnam-do
Governor Park expressed his gratitude, saying, "Although disasters such as wildfires and heavy rains have continued, swift recovery was made possible thanks to the dedication of city and county officials, volunteers, and all provincial residents."
He added, "In particular, although the unprecedented heavy rainfall in western Gyeongnam last July caused significant damage, recovery efforts are progressing rapidly, and the government has also designated the area as a special disaster zone to provide support."
Governor Park emphasized, "When the 8th term began, both the economy and provincial administration were in a very difficult situation, but over the past three years, by working passionately with cities and counties, we have seen improvements in economic indicators and an increase in public trust in the administration. Now, let us unite our efforts over the remaining year to complete governance that brings happiness to our residents."
The meeting was attended by Governor Park, as well as mayors, county governors, the vice governor, and heads of major departments within the province.
In addition, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of local autonomy, a video was shown highlighting the 30-year journey shared with the residents.
Participants of the "2025 2nd Market and County Governor Policy Meeting" are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
The participants shared strategies for realizing Gyeongnam as an economic capital during the fourth year of the 8th term, including: the establishment of the Western Gyeongnam Free Economic Zone Authority; the creation of an aerospace complex city; the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) manufacturing innovation hub and a cluster for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) of naval vessels; and the construction of a Triport transportation network linked to the new Gadeokdo Airport.
Other balanced development strategies presented included: the introduction of a provincial residents' pension and the establishment of an integrated care system; the construction of an integrated disaster management center; the creation of a support system for isolated youth; and the development of the Namhaean Marine National Road and the Southeastern Region Circular Metropolitan Railway.
Major achievements in metropolitan transportation included the establishment of a road network enabling one-hour living zones within the province, expansion of the railway network, and the realization of transportation welfare that residents can truly feel.
Other key examples mentioned were the finalization of the Namhaean Marine National Road, the completion of the preliminary feasibility study for the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway, and the implementation of the Gyeongnam-style K-Pass.
Furthermore, the province and cities/counties agreed to work together with the following goals: strengthening inter-regional connectivity, expanding urban linkages, achieving transportation welfare and expanding public transportation, and reflecting major transportation networks in national plans.
As measures to prevent the recurrence of natural disasters, five key tasks were presented: upgrading national rivers, revising forest disaster prevention regulations, improving resident evacuation systems, making agricultural damage compensation more realistic, and improving the development permit system for high-risk areas.
Additionally, cooperation was requested for major projects in each city and county, including the creation of the Imagination Playground at Tongyeong Misuhang Marine Park, supporting the hosting of the Gimhae Global City Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO) General Assembly, improvements to the Namhae Yi Sunshin Sea Park, and providing emergency restoration funds for heavy rain damage in Sancheong and Hapcheon.
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