Jeonju Mayor Woo Beomgi: "We Will Build a City of Hope for Future Generations"

Accelerating Growth Foundations for Jeonju’s Leap Toward a One-Million Metropolis

Woo Beomgi, Mayor of Jeonju, held a New Year's press conference on the 8th at Jeonju City Hall in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, announcing the direction of city administration. Provided by Jeonju City, Jeollabuk-do

Jeonju City in Jeollabuk-do has embarked on a bold journey toward becoming a “Strong Jeonju” in 2026, unveiling its ambitious vision to evolve into a hub city for artificial intelligence (AI) and to expand its global cultural territory as the new year begins.

According to Jeonju City on January 8, the city has designated this year as the starting point for enhancing the global competitiveness of local industries and spreading the value of Korea’s cultural assets worldwide as the capital of K-Culture.

This year, the city will completely transform its industrial structure by fostering specialized talent in the AI sector and establishing robust networks. AI technology will be introduced across all aspects of citizens’ lives-including welfare, safety, and transportation-to lay the foundation for a world-leading smart city.

The city is also accelerating efforts to secure a leading position in the global tourism market. Jeonju aims to attract 200,000 foreign tourists by developing themed travel courses, creating night tourism content, and establishing a food tourism creative town-further cultivating Jeonju’s unique and attractive resources. Additionally, the city plans to solidify its historical identity as the “Capital of Later Baekje” by attracting the National Later Baekje History and Culture Center and designating Jeonju as a historic city.

Support for future generations will also be significantly strengthened. Jeonju will supply 24 additional “Youth Star Annex” rental units at a monthly rent of 10,000 won and increase the childbirth congratulatory grant to 1 million won for all newborns, regardless of birth order. Notably, new highly impactful policies will be introduced, such as incentives for paternity leave and family car support for families with three or more children.

In the economic sector, Jeonju will expand the issuance of its local gift certificates to 300 billion won to stimulate regional consumption, and will rapidly advance the construction of the MICE complex and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to enhance urban competitiveness. The city will also focus administrative resources on supporting the Olympic bid-having been selected as a candidate city last year-by operating a citywide citizens’ support committee and establishing a multi-sports town.

Woo Beomgi, Mayor of Jeonju, stated, “In 2026, Jeonju will take a leap forward as a city that reaches beyond the region to the world, and as a city where young people can nurture their dreams. Together with our citizens, we will make Jeonju a leading player on the global stage and for the future.”