Kang Kijeong: "I Will Revive the Dwindling Eastern Region First"... 10 Key Promises Including Suncheon Medical School and Zero-Carbon Industrial Complexes

Proposal to Establish a Medical School and University Hospital in Suncheon

Solutions for Addressing Healthcare Gaps in the Eastern Region

Vision for Transformation: "Zero-Carbon Power Industrial Complexes" Linking SMR, Hydrogen, and Renewable Energy

Announcement of Plans for Attracting Semiconductor Facilities and a 60-Minute Metropolitan Transportation Network Covering Industry, Healthcare, and Transit

Kang Kijeong, the mayor of Gwangju and a candidate in the Democratic Party primary for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor, has unveiled a comprehensive plan for industrial, medical, and transportation transformation in the eastern region of Jeonnam.

On the morning of the 16th, at the Suncheon City Council, Mayor Kang announced the "10 Promises for a 1 Million Population City in the Eastern Region," stating, "I will be the first to revive the dwindling eastern region and turn it into a prosperous metropolitan city of one million people."

Kang Kijeong, former candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea's Jeonnam Gwangju Special Mayor primary election, announced the "10 Promises for the Eastern Region’s 1 Million City" vision on the 16th at the Suncheon City Council, including the establishment of a medical school in Suncheon, a zero-carbon power industrial complex linked to SMRs, and the attraction of semiconductors.

Addressing the most pressing issue in the eastern region—the establishment of a medical school—Mayor Kang pledged to resolve the debate over medical school enrollment quotas and the location of the affiliated hospital. He promised to establish a medical school and a university hospital in Suncheon, which will serve as a regional medical center responsible for acute care such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergencies, occupational health, and pediatric and obstetric services. In Mokpo, he plans to attract an integrated university headquarters and a fourth hospital to strengthen the region's healthcare service system.

Mayor Kang emphasized, "If the medical school is simply divided by enrollment numbers, it will be difficult to secure basic medical faculty, provide systematic education, and operate training hospitals. We need to create a structure that fosters and retains medical professionals in the local area."

In the industrial sector, he proposed converting the Gwangyang Bay Area and Yeosu Industrial Complex into "zero-carbon power industrial complexes." By linking small modular reactors (SMR), hydrogen power, renewable energy, and long-duration energy storage systems, he aims to build an infrastructure that can provide stable, carbon-free power around the clock to these industrial complexes.

Mayor Kang stated, "The key to manufacturing competitiveness is affordable, stable electricity and a carbon-reducing industrial structure. Instead of lowering electricity rates, I will fundamentally change the industrial energy system." He highlighted the necessity of industrial restructuring, referencing the significant electricity consumption at Gwangyang Steelworks and the cost increases resulting from the implementation of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

He also presented plans to develop Gwangyang Steelworks as a hydrogen-based steelmaking hub and expand Gwangyang Port into a smart port equipped with hydrogen and ammonia fuel infrastructure and automated terminals. By linking the Gwangyang secondary battery cluster with the Gwangju future mobility national industrial complex, he aims to establish a future mobility industry ecosystem.

In addition, Mayor Kang announced his intention to attract a semiconductor manufacturing plant to Suncheon. He said, "The eastern region is equipped with a super-large industrial power grid, water supply network, and an ecosystem of chemical and precision machinery industries. We will begin preparing to attract a semiconductor manufacturing facility."

Kang Kijung, former Democratic Party candidate for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Mayoral Primary, announced the "10 Promises for a 1 Million Population City in the Eastern Region" at Suncheon City Council on the 16th, presenting visions such as the establishment of the Suncheon Medical School, a carbon-free power industrial complex linked to SMR, and attracting semiconductor industries.

He also identified the second phase relocation of public institutions as a core strategy. Mayor Kang explained, "The relocation of public institutions is not just about moving a few entities, but a strategy for industry, population, and jobs." He pledged to distribute future industry-related institutions such as the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology and the Korea Environment Corporation across Gwangju and Jeonnam.

To strengthen administrative functions in the eastern region, he also plans to elevate the Jeonnam Eastern Office to an "Industrial Office." Mayor Kang said, "The eastern region is responsible for 60% of Jeonnam's GRDP, but administratively, it remains at the level of a branch office." He aims to develop it as a central hub for industrial, logistics, and tourism policy.

In transportation, he set the goal of establishing a "60-minute living zone" in the eastern region by prioritizing the Jeolla Line high-speed rail project, promoting the undergrounding of the Gyeongjeon Line through urban sections, and advocating for the inclusion of the Space High-Speed Rail and Nokdong-Boseong railway network in the national plan. He also plans to simultaneously pursue the construction of the Gwangju-Goheung and Yeosu-Suncheon expressways.

For Goheung, his vision is to develop it as a city that combines the space industry and tourism, as well as a strategic base for land-based aquafarm fisheries. He plans to attract private space companies, expand the space components industry, and combine space experience tourism to revitalize the local economy.

He intends to create a healing tourism industry belt centered on Jirisan Mountain and the Seomjin River, encompassing Gokseong, Gurye, and Boseong. Boseong will be developed as a hub for the tea industry and wellness, Gokseong as an eco-tourism city centered on Seomjin River experiences, and Gurye as a city focused on forest healing and wellness industries.

The welfare policies currently being implemented in Gwangju will also be expanded to the eastern region. Mayor Kang plans to extend policies such as the G-Pass program, which offers free transportation for children and half-price fares for youth and seniors, as well as a 1,000-won taxi for pregnant women, hospital companion service, and integrated care policies.

Mayor Kang said, "I will make the eastern region the industrial capital of Korea and a top vacation destination for Asians. The eastern region will become the strongest metropolitan living zone in Korea."

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