Gwangju City and Democratic Party Gwangju City Party Pledge Cooperation on Regional Issues

Gwangju City and Democratic Party Join Forces
for National AI Computing Center,
Complex Shopping Mall,
Integrated Civilian-Military Airport Relocation,
and Flood Recovery Collaboration

Gwangju City and the Gwangju City Party of the Democratic Party of Korea gathered to discuss major regional issues, including attracting the National AI Computing Center, establishing a complex shopping mall, and relocating the integrated civilian-military airport.

On September 7, Gwangju City and the Gwangju City Party of the Democratic Party of Korea held the "Local Autonomy Policy Council" in the medium conference room at City Hall, where they shared the achievements of reflecting regional pledges in national policy tasks, reviewed the current financial status, and discussed future cooperation measures, according to an announcement on September 8.

The Gwangju City Party of the Democratic Party of Korea and Gwangju City are taking a commemorative photo at the "2025 Local Autonomy Policy Council" held on the 7th in the city hall's medium conference room. Provided by the Democratic Party

The council was attended by Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, the heads of the five autonomous districts, Yang Bunam, chair of the Gwangju City Party of the Democratic Party of Korea, National Assembly members Jung Jinwook, Ahn Dogeol, Cho Incheol, Jung Junho, Jeon Jinsook, and Park Kyuntaek, Gwangju City Council Chair Shin Sujeong, as well as city and district council members.

Gwangju City reported on seven major metropolitan pledges, 15 action tasks, and 32 district-level pledges. These included: ▲ Establishment of a national AI pilot city ▲ Creation of an integrated civilian-military gateway airport in the southwestern region ▲ Development of Korea’s leading mobility city ▲ Construction of national ultra-high magnetic field research infrastructure ▲ Formation of the Honam region megacity.

Other key issues presented included securing national funding for 2026, supporting Gwangju’s selection in the national AI computing center competition, recovery from heavy rain damage and flood prevention measures, establishing legal grounds for the operation of residents’ self-governing councils, promoting the establishment of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Special Metropolitan Union, creating a landmark-type tourism resource complex shopping mall, and mediating adjustments to SRF manufacturing facility usage fees. The city requested cooperation from the Democratic Party of Korea on these matters.

The Gwangju City Party of the Democratic Party of Korea reported on the results of last year’s agenda items, including the public forum on the complex shopping mall and progress on the relocation of the integrated civilian-military airport in Gwangju. Regarding the complex shopping mall, it was decided to hold a public forum for citizens next month, reflecting the results of the analysis of the commercial district and activation plan study. Concerning the airport relocation, it was explained that discussions among relevant ministries were suspended due to the December 3 Martial Law, but after Lee Jaemyung was elected president, a task force under the presidential office was formed and activities resumed.

Mayor Kang Gijung stated, "Gwangju achieved an exemption from the preliminary feasibility study for the second phase of the AI project worth 600 billion won and secured a record-high government budget allocation of 3.7 trillion won. This was possible because Gwangju came together as one team. I ask everyone to give their all to bring the AI Computing Center to Gwangju, which will soon begin."

Chair Yang Bunam emphasized, "Let us unite with one heart and one mind so that the seven major pledges and 15 action tasks reflected in the Lee Jaemyung administration’s national policy can take root and even more aspirations can be realized."

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