Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration: Resident Engagement Focused on Southwestern Regional Characteristics and Key Issues

Public Hearings Held in Sinan and Mokpo
Policy Directions and Key Issues Explained

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, is explaining the plan for administrative integration at the Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration public hearing held at Sinan County Office on the 21st. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On January 21, Jeollanam-do held consecutive public hearings in Sinan County and Mokpo City on the topic of administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam, engaging with residents to discuss the unique characteristics and current issues of the southwestern region.

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, who attended the public hearing, explained the policy directions and key issues under consideration in the process of promoting administrative integration, based on feedback from residents at the previous two hearings. During the subsequent Q&A session, residents spoke candidly about the roles and development directions of each region, as well as their concerns and expectations regarding changes in daily life after integration, making for an active and open dialogue.

The public hearing was also broadcast live through the official YouTube channel of Jeollanam-do. To ensure participation from residents of six island regions who could not attend in person due to weather conditions, the event was made accessible at six township offices via video streaming, creating an open forum that spanned both offline and online channels.

Governor Kim stated, "Following a breakfast meeting on the special bill at the National Assembly, I visited Sinan and Mokpo in succession and was able to directly hear the different concerns and needs of both island and urban areas. We will thoroughly review the opinions presented and ensure they are reflected in the special bill provisions and in the discussions on administrative integration in a balanced manner."

He further emphasized, "Through the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, we will strive to attract and develop industries tailored to the characteristics of each city and county, such as Sinan and Mokpo, and reflect these efforts in the special bill and integration policies."

He also explained, "President Lee Jaemyung announced at the New Year’s press conference that the fundamental principle of national balanced development-providing stronger support the farther a region is from the capital-will be implemented in all national policies. He also stated that the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam is a symbolic starting point for region-led growth and must be successfully achieved as a national survival strategy."

Jeollanam-do plans to hold additional public hearings in Jangheung County on January 23, and starting with Muan County on January 26, will continue to visit the remaining cities and counties. Detailed schedules for each hearing can be found on the Jeollanam-do website. Residents wishing to participate in the public hearings can apply via the QR codes provided on the Jeollanam-do and city/county websites or register on-site on the day of the event.