Mayor Kang Ki-jeong: "The Term 'Main Government Building' Should Be Abolished... Gwangju Is the Administrative Center"

Plans Presented for Government Buildings, Financial Management, and Public Institution Allocation in the Integrated Special City on March 4

Proposal to Elevate Suncheon Eastern Government Building to 'Metropolitan Administration Office' and Establish Digital Government Facilities

Following the passage of the Special Act for the Integrated Special City of Gwangju and Jeonnam, discussions continue regarding the location of government buildings and the relocation of public institutions. Mayor Ki-Jeong Kang of Gwangju Metropolitan City stated, "The term 'main government building' is an unnecessary expression that should be abolished," adding, "Gwangju is inevitably the administrative center."

On the afternoon of March 4, at Gwangju City Hall, Mayor Kang held a press conference to explain plans for the utilization of government buildings, financial management, and the arrangement of public institutions after the launch of the integrated special city, making these remarks.

Mayor Ki-jung Kang of Gwangju City holding a press conference explaining the plans for office utilization and public institution placement after the passage of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Special Act.

Mayor Kang said, "Thanks to the unity of local residents in Gwangju and Jeonnam, unlike Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province or Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province, we have become the 'first integrated special city.' The role of the press in bringing together public opinion was significant."

He cited the following as challenges to address after the passage of the special act: the utilization of three government buildings, the management of financial resources exceeding 20 trillion won, and the attraction and regional allocation of public institutions. He further noted, "If these issues escalate into unnecessary disputes, the purpose of the integration will be lost, leaving only conflict behind. We must not forget the purpose of integration."

As for the reason for integration, Mayor Kang explained, "It is to secure an economy of scale that can counterbalance the capital-centric system. The aim is to stand as a proud single center within the '5 Poles 3 Specials' strategy."

Regarding the government building issue, he asserted, "The term 'main government building' is an unnecessary expression not even included in the special act," and called for its abolition. He stated that even after the integration, the current Gwangju, Muan, and Suncheon government buildings will be maintained and used as they are.

However, he emphasized, "Metropolitan city administration must continue, and it is necessary to secure centrality in line with the '5 Poles 3 Specials' strategy. The administrative center can only be Gwangju." He also revealed plans to assign the function of establishing and coordinating future strategies for the integrated special city to Gwangju.

Regarding the Suncheon Eastern Government Building, he pointed out, "Compared to the status of the eastern region, which accounts for about 60% of Jeonnam's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), its functions are insufficient," and stressed that, "It should be elevated to an economic hub, a 'Metropolitan Administration Office,' responsible for the real economy of the integration."

Mayor Kang also stated, "In the new era, digital government buildings are key," and emphasized the need to "erase physical distances and build a digital administrative network that organically connects the three main bases."

Concerning the financial support of more than 20 trillion won, he said, "This is not simply about dividing the budget, but we have prepared a roadmap to transition to a sustainable 'bottomless budget.' I will explain this soon as a candidate."

With regard to the relocation of public institutions, he proposed a plan to pursue both additional placement in innovation cities and regionally distributed allocation. In Naju Innovation City, additional institutions related to energy and culture will be located to create synergy, while other institutions will be distributed in a customized manner, considering balanced development and regional strengths within the integrated special city. He also stated that, if necessary, the designation of a second and third innovation city would be pursued.

Mayor Kang said, "The Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City is a special city of opportunity and jobs. With the passage of the special act, 20 trillion won in financial support and 394 special authority provisions have been secured, attracting the interest of major corporations." He added, "Just as we have seized the opportunity for integration, we will also seize the opportunity to attract major corporations. I will bring you even better news soon."

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