Jeonnam Province Surpasses 10 Trillion Won in National Funding for the First Time... Accelerates Food Industry Development

Governor Kim Youngrok Holds Press Conference to Outline Provincial Policy Direction
Secures 1 Trillion 42 Billion Won in National Funding for Next Year... Enhancing Competitiveness
Fostering Petroleum, Steel, Tourism, SOC, and Energy Industries
"We Will Deliver Tangible Regional Development Results for Residents"

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, held a press conference on the 3rd at the briefing room on the 4th floor of Jeonnam Provincial Office, explaining the significance of securing 10 trillion won in national funds and the future direction of provincial administration. Photo by Shim Jinseok

On December 3, Jeonnam Province announced that it had secured a record-high 1 trillion 42 billion won (10,042 billion won) in the 2026 national budget, which was finalized by the National Assembly on December 2. The provincial government emphasized the significance of ushering in an era of over 10 trillion won in national funding for the first time.

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, held a press conference in the briefing room on the 4th floor of the Jeonnam Provincial Office on the same day, stating, "The national budget secured for 2026 has increased by 954 billion won (10.5%) compared to this year's 9 trillion 502 billion won." He further explained that although the government’s draft budget in September included 9 trillion 418.8 billion won, an additional 585.4 billion won was secured during the National Assembly’s review, marking the first time the province surpassed the 10 trillion won threshold in national funding.

Looking at the major national projects for Jeonnam next year, 1 trillion 409.9 billion won has been allocated for transportation and other SOC (social overhead capital) projects, a 29.2% increase from this year’s 1 trillion 90.5 billion won.

In particular, 570 billion won (101.6 billion won in national funds and 468.4 billion won in contributions from the corporation) has been allocated for the second phase of the Honam High-Speed Railway construction.

Other allocations include 172.2 billion won for the Gwangju Songjeong-Suncheon Gyeongjeon Line project, 8 billion won for the design of the four-lane expansion of National Route 15 between Goheung and Bongrae, and 7.5 billion won for the reconstruction of the aging Mokpo Station building.

For the space and energy industries, 2 billion won (with a total project cost of 48.5 billion won) has been secured for the detailed design service to build a private space launch vehicle engine combustion test facility, which will allow private launch vehicles to be tested and operated in connection with the Naro Space Center.

The budget also includes a government contribution of 25 billion won for the stable operation of Korea Electric Power Corporation University, the world’s only energy-specialized university, and 12 billion won for the construction of a superconducting conductor test facility. Additionally, 500 million won has been separately secured for the design of the National Energy Science Museum.

For strengthening industrial infrastructure, the budget includes 2 billion won for the design of the Solaseado wastewater treatment and water supply facilities, which are part of the RE100 industrial complex infrastructure, and 2.8 billion won for the establishment of an AI Transformation (AX) Support Center for the steel and metal industries.

To systematically foster the seaweed industry, which is the top export item in the agricultural and fisheries sector, the budget includes 500 million won for establishing a master plan for the National Seaweed Industry Promotion Institute and 4.5 billion won (with a total project cost of 40 billion won) for the design of the Muan Agricultural AI Transformation (AX) Demonstration Center.

For the Southern Region Tourism Development Project, 66.3 billion won has been distributed across 36 projects to ensure balanced regional development. Examples include 1 billion won (with a total project cost of 40.1 billion won) for the Baeksu Coastal Tourism Scenic Spot in Yeonggwang, 500 million won (with a total project cost of 21.5 billion won) for expanding tourism stay facilities in Damyang, and 400 million won for developing the Jangseong K-Temple Food Tourism Destination.

To ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, 2 billion won has also been allocated for the "2026 Year of Island Visits" initiative.

Governor Kim stated, "We will promptly implement the projects reflected in the 2026 national budget so that residents can experience tangible results in regional development," adding, "For the 2027 national budget, we will proactively identify and respond to new projects that offer comparative advantages and meet both government policies and local needs."