Gyeongnam Governor Park Wansu: "Gyeongnam at the Center of Korea's Balanced Growth ... Focusing All Capabilities"

"In the Year of the Red Horse, 2026, Gyeongnam Province will stride forward with you on a bold new path of progress."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, delivered his New Year’s address for the byeong-o year, extending his greetings for the new year of 2026.

Governor Park began by saying, "I wish every household in our province abundant health and happiness."

He reflected on the past year, mentioning large-scale wildfires and severe flooding caused by extreme rainfall, and said, "Amid these unprecedented disasters, we were able to witness the true strength of Gyeongnam."

He went on to say, "I sincerely thank those who devoted themselves day and night on the front lines, the volunteers who shared in their neighbors’ hardships, and all the residents who rushed to help with disaster recovery. Thanks to the resilience of Gyeongnam, which grew even stronger in the face of crisis, we have risen again."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee

Governor Park emphasized, "When Gyeongnam changes, Korea changes."

He diagnosed, "Korea is now facing structural crises such as low birth rates, regional extinction, and excessive concentration in the capital area," and added, "It is now time for local regions to design and lead their own futures."

He continued, "For Korea to achieve truly balanced growth, we need another axis of development to counter the dominance of the capital region. The southeastern region, and Gyeongnam at its center, must take on that role."

Governor Park predicted, "Above all, Gyeongnam Province will become stronger on its own."

He pledged, "We will focus all our efforts on strengthening industrial competitiveness, creating quality jobs, and enabling each of our 18 cities and counties to fully realize their unique strengths."

He also stated, "We will demand bold transfers of authority and financial resources from the central government and take the lead in establishing institutional foundations so that the southeastern region can stand tall as Korea’s new growth axis."

Governor Park said, "Gyeongnam possesses limitless potential," adding, "With our beautiful natural environment, rich history and culture, and strong industrial base, the unique regional characteristics of all 18 cities and counties are flourishing."

He concluded, "We will create a Gyeongnam where young people can pursue their dreams, children can embrace hope, and seniors can live with peace of mind-a warm Gyeongnam for all 3.3 million residents. I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year."