Minister Kim Jeong-Kwan Begins First "5 Major Axes and 3 Specialized Zones" Field Visit in North Jeolla: "A Place Where People Gather and Stay"

A Series of Roundtable Discussions with Young Workers, Businesses, and Local Governments
Focusing on Industrial Complex Innovation and Fostering Renewable Energy

Kim Jeong-Kag, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, is delivering a welcoming speech on the 9th at the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation in Jongno-gu, Seoul, during the 'Public Institutions (Trade Security, Standards Sector) Work Report' meeting. 2026.1.9 Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

"We will support the transformation of industrial complexes from mere production spaces into places where people gather and stay."

On January 22, Kim Jeong-Kag, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited North Jeolla Province to hear directly from local businesses and young workers, and to discuss regional growth strategies. This was the first on-site activity under the government’s core regional policy framework, the "5 Major Axes and 3 Specialized Zones" initiative. The minister focused on ways to link improvements in residential conditions and the expansion of the industrial ecosystem with innovation in industrial complexes and the fostering of the renewable energy industry.

At a roundtable meeting with companies at the Wanju Cultural Industrial Complex, Minister Kim listened to the backgrounds behind investment decisions and the difficulties faced by local investment companies and auto parts manufacturers. He also discussed directions for innovation in industrial complexes to attract more young talent. Later, he held a luncheon with young workers employed in industrial complexes in North Jeolla Province to hear their firsthand opinions on working conditions, as well as on housing, transportation, and cultural amenities. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to work with relevant ministries to reflect the practical constraints and improvement ideas raised by young people, and to develop a "youth-friendly industrial complex model."

In the afternoon, Minister Kim met with Kim Kwan-Young, Governor of North Jeolla Province, to review the progress of the "5 Major Axes and 3 Specialized Zones Growth Engine" initiative and assess the local government’s support needs. They also discussed directions for strengthening the region’s industrial base and fostering strategic industries. Both sides agreed on the importance of sharing roles and linking policies between central and local governments, and committed to continued cooperation.

Minister Kim also visited "Refactory Gunsan" in the Gunsan National Industrial Complex, where he observed a case in which idle or closed factories were remodeled and repurposed as spaces for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. On site, he listened to challenges encountered during the startup and move-in processes, emphasizing that "the regeneration of industrial complexes should serve as an opportunity to fundamentally transform the region’s industrial structure."

At a roundtable with renewable energy materials, parts, and equipment companies, wind and solar energy firms raised issues regarding systems, regulations, and market barriers. Minister Kim stated that North Jeolla Province has the potential to become a key hub for renewable energy along the west coast and announced plans to strengthen policy support.

In addition, Minister Kim is scheduled to hold a dinner meeting with innovation organizations and economic associations in North Jeolla Province to discuss the region’s industrial strengths and weaknesses, growth paths, and strategies for building an industrial ecosystem.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to continue a series of on-site visits, starting with North Jeolla Province, to reflect the voices of businesses, young people, and local governments in policy design.