Administrative Integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam Discussed in Jangseong... Resident Participation Remains Central

Governor Kim Youngrok Meets Jangseong Residents
Explains Changes to Daily Life Through Integration
Listens to Diverse Opinions and Engages in Dialogue

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is taking a commemorative photo with Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Kim Daejung, Yeongam County Mayor Woo Seunghui, and local residents at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Public Hearing held on the 20th at Jangseong Culture and Arts Center. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On January 20, Jeonnam Province held its second public hearing for residents in Jangseong County to gather opinions on the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, continuing the discussion with a focus on resident participation.

Following the public hearing held in Yeongam County on January 19, Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok attended this event as well, providing residents with a detailed explanation of the background and necessity of the Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration, key special provisions, and the changes it would bring to daily life. He also engaged in a Q&A session on site, directly listening to and communicating with residents about their diverse opinions and concerns regarding the integration.

Reflecting the high level of public interest in educational integration, the public hearing was co-hosted with the Jeonnam Office of Education. Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Kim Daejung explained the direction and expected benefits of educational integration, and personally answered questions from students, parents, teachers, and other attendees.

For residents who could not attend in person, the entire public hearing was broadcast live through the official Jeonnam Province YouTube channel, enabling a greater number of residents to participate in the public debate on integration.

Governor Kim stated, "By holding public hearings in both Yeongam and Jangseong, I am able to hear the voices of residents directly on site," adding, "We will consolidate the opinions raised at these two hearings and develop a balanced administrative integration plan that can be tangibly felt even at the county level."

He further emphasized, "Jangseong has been steadily preparing for future growth by focusing on the medical and bio industry centered on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, advanced industries based on AI data centers, the establishment of a subtropical smart agriculture zone, and the designation of an export-specialized complex. Through administrative integration, we will accelerate these strategic industries and actively support Jangseong in becoming a key hub city in northern Jeonnam."

Jeonnam Province plans to continue holding public hearings for residents by visiting the remaining 20 cities and counties in sequence, including Mokpo and Shinan on January 21. Residents interested in administrative integration can participate by pre-registering via the QR code posted on the Jeonnam Province and city/county websites, or by registering on site on the day of the event. The opinions gathered at these public hearings will be reflected throughout the process of enacting special legislation and promoting integration in the future.