Heo Seongmu: "Southern Coast to Become the New Center of Economic Growth" ... Proposes 'Special Act on the Development of the Southern Coast Region'

Systematic Development and Regional Balanced Growth Expected
Across Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, and Busan

Assemblyman Seongmu Heo (Changwon-si Seongsan-gu, Democratic Party of Korea) announced on March 4 that he has sponsored the "Special Act on the Development of the Southern Coast Region," which focuses on the systematic development and support of the Southern Coast region.

Sungmoo Heo, Member of the National Assembly.

This bill was prepared to establish the Southern Coast region as a new economic zone and to promote balanced growth among regions.

Additionally, this proposal is also intended to supplement the "Special Act on the Development of the Southern Coast Region" that was jointly sponsored by Assemblyman Moon Geumjoo and Assemblyman Jeong Jeomsik in June 2024.

Although the Southern Coast region possesses various marine resources and unique cultural heritage, concerns have been raised that the area lacks sufficient regional competitiveness due to the absence of legal and institutional frameworks, as well as a control tower, to organically connect and manage these assets.

The bill includes: ▲ establishment of a comprehensive development plan for the Southern Coast every five years; ▲ establishment and operation of the Southern Coast Comprehensive Development Agency; ▲ designation of the Southern Coast Tourism Promotion District utilizing coastal and island resources; ▲ tailored corporate support such as assistance for research and development activities of resident companies; ▲ and the installation and operation of a tourism information platform to promote tourism.

If this bill passes, it is expected to serve as a starting point for systematic development and co-prosperity not only for Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, and Busan, but also for the entire Southern Coast region.

Furthermore, to enhance the effectiveness of the bill, Assemblyman Heo also sponsored the "National Property Exception Restriction Act" to provide special provisions for the long-term use of national property.

Assemblyman Seongmu Heo stated, "Balanced regional development is a core national agenda, and President Lee Jaemyung has been consistently emphasizing the need for a major shift toward tourism industries centered on local regions." He added, "We will establish a solid institutional foundation so that our Southern Coast region can re-emerge as the center of the Pan-Pacific economy and a new growth engine for the Republic of Korea."

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