Assemblyman Jo O-seop: "Making Gwangju Buk-gu a New Growth Economic Hub"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Assemblyman Jo O-seop (Democratic Party of Korea·Gwangju Buk-gu Gap) announced on the 31st, “We will create changes that citizens can feel and make Buk-gu a new growth economic hub of Gwangju.”

Assemblyman Jo said, “I have proven to the citizens of Gwangju the reason I chose the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee through securing regional development budgets and attracting various national projects promised during the general election,” adding, “Buk-gu will now break away from its outdated urban image and be reborn as a ‘new growth economic hub’ in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution and post-COVID-19.”

In 2021, through the National Assembly’s main budget review, Assemblyman Jo deliberated and approved 737 billion KRW for the entire Gwangju area under the jurisdiction of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, and 261.5 billion KRW for the Buk-gu Gap electoral district. Centered around Gwangju Station, he attracted central government public project competitions such as ▲designation of the National Innovation District (168.8 billion KRW) ▲start of construction of the Eoullim Factory (2 billion KRW) ▲selection of the Green Startup Town (35 billion KRW) ▲selection of the Chonnam National University Campus Innovation Town (50 billion KRW) ▲passing the preliminary qualification review for the Social Economy Innovation Town (28 billion KRW).

Additionally, he promoted long-standing local issues and various living SOC projects including ▲installation of excellent detention facilities in Munheung-dong, Buk-gu (12.073 billion KRW) ▲creation of an AI smart platform in permanent rental apartments in Buk-gu (1.1 billion KRW) ▲development of the UNESCO Global Geopark East Asia Platform in the Chung-hyo-dong Ecological Park area (39.8 billion KRW) ▲construction of the Jungheung Complex Public Library (10.29 billion KRW) ▲construction of the Usan-dong Complex Sports Center (9 billion KRW) ▲start of construction of the Bandabi Complex Gymnasium (13.23 billion KRW).

Moreover, he secured special grants from the Ministry of Education totaling 2.996 billion KRW for projects such as window replacements at Ojeong Elementary, Munjeong Elementary, and Gwangju Jeil High School, improvement of heating and cooling facilities at Hyodong Elementary, and exterior repairs at Dongshin High School. He also secured 1.5 billion KRW in special grants from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for projects including the construction of the Jungheung Complex Public Library, expansion of the Duam 1-dong Administrative Welfare Center, and construction of the Usan Neighborhood Park Complex Sports Center.

To this end, he plans to promote five key tasks: ▲creating a second startup Silicon Valley at Gwangju Station ▲strengthening urban competitiveness through development that guarantees economic feasibility and public interest (former Gwangju Prison, Jeonnam·Ilsin Textile) ▲stabilizing livelihoods by supporting small business owners and merchants (relocation of Gakhwa Agricultural Products Market, revitalization of Malbau Market) ▲establishing a startup belt linked with industry, academia, and research institutes (Chonnam National University, Donggang University, etc.) ▲achieving visible results in local issues (expansion of Honam Expressway, creation of ecological cultural villages, etc.).

Assemblyman Jo revealed the achievements over the past year and emphasized, “I will make Buk-gu the second startup Silicon Valley and Gwangju’s new growth economic hub.”

He added, “This achievement was made possible by the cooperation of Gwangju and Buk-gu officials who worked together with central government ministries such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Ministry of Education to secure regional development budgets. Based on the achievements of the past year, we plan to design and implement more changes that citizens can feel for the development of Gwangju and Buk-gu.”

Meanwhile, Assemblyman Jo was recognized for his policy ability and political skills by winning four awards as an outstanding member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea, NGO groups, civic groups, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport labor union last year, and by leading a joint press conference of Gwangju and Daegu lawmakers to reflect the Moonlight Inland Railroad in the 4th National Railroad Network Construction Plan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.