Gwangju City Council Gives Final Approval to "Gwangju-Jeonnam Special Metropolitan Alliance Ordinance"

First Model of Lee Administration's "Five Major Regions and Three Special Zones" Strategy...
Green Light for Launch Within the Year
Gwangju City: "Hoping for a Broad-Minded Decision by the Jeonnam Provincial Council for Mutual Growth"

Gwangju City Hall exterior view.

The "Gwangju-Jeonnam Special Metropolitan Alliance Ordinance," aimed at promoting ultra-wide-area cooperation between Gwangju and Jeonnam, has passed the Gwangju City Council. Gwangju City is now urging the launch of the special metropolitan alliance within the year, hoping for a broad-minded decision from the Jeonnam Provincial Council. This development is expected to serve as a significant turning point for advancing the common interests of 3.2 million residents of both regions and for achieving balanced national development.

On October 26, Gwangju City announced that the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Special Metropolitan Alliance Ordinance" was finally approved at the 337th plenary session of the Gwangju City Council, which was held on October 24.

With this approval, the city has completed all preliminary procedures necessary for launching the special metropolitan alliance within the year. Only the deliberation and approval of the Jeonnam Provincial Council remain. Gwangju City's proactive approach has been recognized as a clear declaration, both domestically and internationally, of the strong commitment of Gwangju citizens and the city council to ultra-wide-area cooperation.

This ordinance aims to establish the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Special Local Government," which is the first implementation model of the "Five Major Regions and Three Special Zones" national balanced growth strategy under the Lee Jaemyung administration. The focus is on laying the foundation for discussing local issues together, enhancing the common interests of residents, increasing administrative efficiency, and effectively responding to the crisis of regional extinction.

In particular, the ordinance stipulates that the alliance council will be formed based on the principle of equal participation by both regions, and that a system for mutual cooperation will be built through processes of consensus and deliberation. Joint tasks include the establishment of a metropolitan transportation network, the joint development of strategic industries, and the revitalization of culture and tourism. These ultra-wide-area cooperation projects provide a solid legal and institutional basis for regional coexistence and balanced national development.

If the Jeonnam Provincial Council approves the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Special Metropolitan Alliance Ordinance" at the first plenary session of its final regular meeting scheduled for November 3, the special metropolitan alliance can be launched within the year.

Gwangju City has already engaged in sufficient communication and consultation with Jeonnam Province regarding concerns raised by the Jeonnam Provincial Council. The city plans to continue seeking reasonable solutions to build a mutually beneficial model that provides tangible benefits to both regions.

A Gwangju City official stated, "From the broad perspective of the will of 3.2 million residents and regional development, we earnestly hope for progressive and swift discussions by the Jeonnam Provincial Council," adding, "We look forward to the special metropolitan alliance being launched within the year."

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