Jeollanam-do Launches Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group, Accelerating Grand Unification

Headed by Kang Wiwon, 22 Members in Total
Comprehensive Planning and Operation of Consultative Bodies
Overseeing Special Legislation and Public Opinion Gathering
Significance as a Step Toward Practical Implementation

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok is unveiling the plaque of the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group" with attendees at the provincial office on the 5th. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On January 5, Jeollanam-do officially announced the launch of the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group," a dedicated organization overseeing administrative integration. This marks the province's first substantial step toward the grand unification and revitalization of Gwangju and Jeonnam.

That morning, Jeollanam-do held a plaque unveiling ceremony in front of the Planning Group's office on the 18th floor of the provincial government building, expressing its commitment to swiftly and systematically advance the administrative integration process.

Prior to the unveiling, Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok delivered a statement marking the launch of the Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration initiative, aiming to establish the nation's first integrated metropolitan local government.

In his statement, Governor Kim declared, "Through the local elections on June 3, we will elect a unified head of the new entity, and on July 1, we will usher in a new era for the historic 3.2 million residents of Gwangju and Jeonnam. We will unite the hopes and determination of the people of both cities and provinces."

The launch of the Promotion Planning Group follows the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Joint Declaration" announced by Governor Kim and Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung on January 2. It is seen as a signal that the grand unification of Gwangju and Jeonnam has moved beyond the discussion stage and into concrete preparation and execution.

The plaque unveiling was attended by Governor Kim Youngrok, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs Kang Wiwon, Director-General for Planning and Coordination Yoon Jin-ho, Director-General for Autonomous Administration Ko Mikyung, other relevant directors, and heads of affiliated organizations. They unveiled the plaque and pledged to open a new chapter of unification and revitalization for Gwangju and Jeonnam.

The Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group consists of one team, two divisions, and 22 members, with Vice Governor Kang Wiwon serving as the head. The Planning Group will oversee all aspects of administrative integration, including: ▲ establishing basic blueprints and comprehensive plans for integration; ▲ drafting special legislation and identifying special cases; ▲ forming and supporting a city-province integration consultative body; and ▲ gathering public opinion and conducting external outreach.

The Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration is regarded as a strategic move to support the "Five Regions, Three Special Zones" national balanced growth strategy of the Lee Jaemyung administration, and to enable Gwangju and Jeonnam to emerge as a central hub of the southern semiconductor belt and a key future base for Korea in the era of AI and energy.

If the integration is realized, the region is expected to secure special privileges for regional development, including a status and organizational exemptions equivalent to those of Seoul Metropolitan City, fiscal and authority transfers, additional allocation of local grants, and priority consideration for relocating public institutions. It is also expected to significantly strengthen future-oriented growth engines by gaining a competitive edge in advanced strategic industries such as AI, semiconductors, and RE100.

Meanwhile, Gwangju City also formed its own "Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group" on the same day. The planning groups of both cities and provinces plan to establish a close cooperative system and jointly advance the administrative integration discussions.

Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "We will begin Korea's great leap forward in 2026 by shifting from capital-centric growth to region-led growth, starting here in Gwangju and Jeonnam." He added, "I hope that all 3.2 million citizens of Gwangju and Jeonnam will join as protagonists in this historic path of great administrative integration."