Governor Kim Youngrok Welcomes Securing National Funding for 5·18 Memorial Space Construction

A Healing Space for Contributors and Their Families
An Educational Venue for the Spirit of May

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, welcomed the inclusion of the 'Jeonnam 5·18 Memorial Space Construction' project in the 2026 national budget, emphasizing, "We will continue to strive to carry on the spirit of May."

Regarding the securing of this government funding, Governor Kim stated, "I sincerely welcome this meaningful achievement together with all residents of Jeonnam, as it honors the courage and sacrifice of the people across Jeonnam who stood up against brutal state violence to defend democracy, and elevates the status of Jeonnam as a sacred place of democratization."

He further remarked, "Establishing the Headquarters of the Uprising at Mokpo Station and leading the final resistance of the 5·18 movement is a proud chapter in Jeonnam’s history of democratization."

With this government funding, Jeonnam Province plans to create the 'Jeonnam 5·18 Memorial Space' near Mokpo Station, bringing together records of the 5·18 movement that have been scattered across the province and fully capturing the narratives of intense resistance and noble solidarity. The space will also serve as a healing place for those who contributed and their families, as well as a living educational venue where future generations can learn about Jeonnam’s history of democratization and the spirit of May.

Governor Kim stated, "By including the spirit of May in the preamble of the Constitution, we will firmly establish the identity of the Republic of Korea as a democratic republic and ensure that state power can never again undermine democracy. I ask for the continued interest and support of the residents so that Jeonnam’s spirit of May, which led the revolution of light to victory, will remain a lasting testament to Korea’s democracy."

Going forward, Jeonnam Province will focus its administrative capabilities on enhancing the quality of the project by expediting procedures such as design and content development for the memorial space.