Gumi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Holds 2026 New Year's Reception

Construction of the Gumi-Gunwi Expressway
Establishment of the Samsung AI Data Center
Creation of the Gumi-New Airport Railway

On January 5, the Gyeongbuk and Gumi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chairman Yoon Jaeho) held the "2026 New Year's Reception" in the main auditorium on the second floor of the Chamber. The event was attended by Chairman Yoon Jaeho, Yang Geumhee, Deputy Governor for Economy of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, National Assembly members Koo Jageun and Kang Myunggu, Park Gyosang, Chairman of Gumi City Council, as well as heads of organizations and institutions, chamber of commerce members, provincial and city council members, journalists, representatives and executives of member companies, and about 300 other participants.

The New Year's Reception, organized to exchange greetings for the Year of Byeong-o and to pledge a fruitful year ahead, began with a greeting from Chairman Yoon Jaeho, followed by New Year's addresses from Deputy Governor Yang Geumhee, Mayor Kim Jangho, National Assembly members Koo Jageun and Kang Myunggu, and Chairman Park Gyosang. The event continued with the 36th Gumi Commerce Awards ceremony, group greetings from chamber members, and a toast.

Chairman Yoon Jaeho, Yang Geumhee, Deputy Governor for Economy of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, National Assembly members Koo Jageun and Kang Myunggu, Park Gyosang, Chairman of Gumi City Council, along with heads of organizations and institutions, chamber of commerce members, city council members, journalists, representatives and executives of member companies, and about 300 others attended the "2026 New Year's Reception." Photo by Kim Ihwan

Chairman Yoon Jaeho emphasized, "Last year, despite internal and external uncertainties such as high U.S. tariffs and exchange rates, Gumi's export volume is expected to reach about 28 billion dollars in 2024, similar to the previous year, thanks to increased camera module exports. In addition to expanded new and additional investments focused on semiconductors and defense, Gumi stands at a crossroads for a new leap forward through the expansion of new airport connections (construction of the Gumi-Gunwi Expressway and establishment of the Gumi-New Airport railway), the construction of the Samsung AI data center, and the creation of a cultural industrial complex. Especially, as Gumi is included in the government's plan to establish a semiconductor belt in the southern region, not only are semiconductor companies concentrated here, but also favorable investment conditions exist in all aspects, including electricity, water, and industrial land. Therefore, we must seize this opportunity to attract a large-scale foundry to Gumi as a major production base for semiconductor materials and components."

However, he pointed out that for Gumi to become the core axis of the southern belt, it is necessary not only to accelerate the construction of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk integrated new airport and expand its connectivity, but also to improve residential conditions in areas such as culture, transportation, and medical services to create an environment where talent can remain in Gumi. He also stressed that practical incentives, such as differentiated corporate, inheritance, and income taxes for non-metropolitan areas, should be provided to local regions.

Meanwhile, at the 36th Gumi Commerce Awards ceremony, six individuals were selected across four categories: one in management, two in trade, two in technology, and one in regional development. Each received a plaque and a cash prize of 5 million won. Among the awardees, Kim Chan-ha, CEO of Taepyungyang Metal Co., Ltd., and Lee Jeonggyun, CEO of GS Gumi Combined Heat and Power Co., Ltd., donated their entire cash prizes (5 million won each) to the city of Gumi.