Gurye County Wins Grand Prize in Basic Local Government Category at Korea Autonomy Development Awards

Sustainable Regional Development Strategies and Innovative Policies Receive High Praise

Gurye County in South Jeolla Province announced that it won the Grand Prize in the Basic Local Government category at the "2025 Korea Autonomy Development Awards" ceremony held on the 23rd at the Baekbeom Kim Koo Memorial Hall in Seoul.

This awards ceremony was co-hosted and organized by the Korea Institute for Local Autonomy Development and the Korean Association for Local Government Studies. Attendees included National Assembly members Moon Jeongbok, Park Minkyu, and Lim Jongdeuk, as well as local government heads, council chairpersons, and award recipients from across the country.

Gurye County won the Grand Prize in the Basic Local Government category at the "2025 Korea Autonomy Development Awards" ceremony held on the 23rd at the Baekbeom Kim Koo Memorial Hall in Seoul. Photo by Gurye County

The county was recognized for its various achievements that have significantly contributed to securing future growth engines and strengthening the foundation of the local economy. Gurye County successfully attracted a pumped-storage power plant project worth approximately 1.4 trillion won, laying the groundwork to become a hub for the energy industry. It also took the lead in the nation’s first “Soil Restoration Movement,” spearheading efforts to respond to climate change and achieve carbon neutrality.

In addition, Gurye County is accelerating the realization of a “Second Tourism Renaissance” by promoting large-scale tourism development projects such as the “Seomjingang River Integrated Tourism Belt.” These efforts focus on discovering new tourist attractions and revitalizing existing ones within the region.

As a result of these policies, the county succeeded in reversing the population decline crisis, achieving a net increase in population for two consecutive years and restoring demographic vitality. Gurye County has also continued to innovate public education and nurture local talent, thereby contributing to strengthening the capabilities of future generations.

County Governor Kim Sunho stated, “This award is the result of the joint efforts of our residents and public officials, and it is highly meaningful in that Gurye County’s innovative policies and development strategies have been recognized nationwide. We will continue to pursue more challenging and effective policies to achieve sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for our residents.”