Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member Choi Seonguk Seeks Strategies for Utilizing Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School Sites

Forum Held Ahead of 2028 Okam District Integration and Relocation
Proposal for Creating a Multi-Functional Complex Integrating Education, Culture, Sports, and Welfare

Choi Seonguk, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (The Minjoo Party of Korea, Mokpo 1), held an expert forum on the 26th at the Shinan Beach Hotel titled "Expert Forum on Strategies to Revitalize the Existing School Sites after the Integration and Relocation of Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School." During the forum, he proposed strategic utilization plans to prevent the hollowing out of the original downtown area.

This forum was organized to explore policy solutions for the public use of the current sites of Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School, which are scheduled to be integrated and relocated to the Okam District of Mokpo in March 2028.

Jeon Nam-guk, a former member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, held an expert forum to discuss ways to revitalize the existing school site after the integration and relocation of Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School. Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Gong

Assemblyman Choi emphasized, "The integration and relocation of Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School is not simply a matter of moving schools; it is a critical issue that will determine the identity of Mokpo's original downtown and the future of the local community." He further expressed concerns, stating, "Although this was an inevitable measure due to the declining school-age population and the need to improve the educational environment, if the utilization of the existing sites is poorly managed, it could lead to the hollowing out of the original downtown and erode residents' trust."

He specifically referenced the past case of Cheongho Middle School's relocation, pointing out, "We must not repeat the lack of resident input and the absence of long-term planning." He stressed, "It is essential to establish a comprehensive master plan and to develop plans based on resident participation."

Assemblyman Choi also highlighted the historical value of the Mokpo High School site. He stated, "Mokpo High School has been a symbol of education and a key hub in the original downtown, nurturing local talent for over 80 years." He proposed, "Rather than simply relocating institutions, the site should be developed as a complex space that integrates educational, cultural, sports, and welfare functions."

He added, "It should be developed as a hub for balanced regional development, similar to the Suncheonman Ecological and Cultural Education Center." He continued, "If it is designated as a representative educational and cultural hub for the western region and developed as a complex space in connection with the relocation of the library, it will greatly contribute to the revitalization of the original downtown and the recovery of the local community."

Assemblyman Choi concluded, "The issue of utilizing the Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School sites is not just an administrative task but a crucial matter directly linked to the sustainability of the original downtown and the future of the local community." He pledged, "The Provincial Assembly will spare no effort in providing active support to ensure these spaces are reborn as open areas that breathe with the residents."