Gwangsan District Council: "Gwangju and Jeonnam Already Function as One Living Sphere... Integration Needed"

Statement Supporting Administrative Integration Issued on the 14th

The Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju expressed its support for the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, urging the swift implementation of the integration initiative. The council stated that, given Gwangju and Jeonnam already function as a single living sphere, integration beyond administrative boundaries at the regional level would be a solution to enhance regional competitiveness and improve the quality of life for residents.

On the 14th, members of the Gwangsan District Council announced a statement supporting the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam in front of the Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju. Provided by Gwangsan District Council

On the 14th, through a statement delivered by Assemblywoman Park Haewon (Democratic Party of Korea, Cheomdan 1 and 2-dong), the Gwangsan District Council declared, "The administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam is an urgent task that can no longer be postponed," and added, "We actively support the promotion of integration to secure the region’s future competitiveness and improve residents’ quality of life."

The council first pointed out that, although Gwangju and Jeonnam already function as a single living area in terms of industry, transportation, economy, and daily life, inefficiencies and dispersed accountability are occurring due to administrative boundaries.

It further emphasized that, amid structural crises faced by local regions such as population decline, aging, youth outflow, and industrial transformation, there are limits to Gwangju and Jeonnam responding separately. Therefore, integration and cooperation at the regional level are necessary.

The district council also stated that administrative integration is not simply an expansion of administrative districts, but a process to strengthen policy decision-making and implementation capabilities. Through integration, it will be possible to pursue swift and consistent policies in various fields such as transportation, industry, environment, and disaster response. This, in turn, can create a virtuous cycle leading to increased investment, job creation, and the inflow of talent.

The role of Gwangsan District, a key hub in Gwangju where the airport, railway, industrial complexes, and residential areas converge, was also highlighted. The council stated, "Gwangsan District is a region capable of playing a strategic role within the integrated metropolitan system," and added, "This integration will serve as an opportunity to expand Gwangsan District’s industrial competitiveness and living infrastructure."

Additionally, the council called on Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeonnam Province to present clear objectives and implementation plans for integration. It also urged the government and the National Assembly to provide institutional support so that integration can lead to substantial authority and financial expansion.

The council stated, "We will fulfill our responsible role to ensure that the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam turns the region’s crisis into an opportunity and becomes a turning point for reshaping the future of Honam."