Mokpo City Delivers 'Eight Major Future Development Pledge Initiatives' to Political Parties

Mokpo City in South Jeolla Province has proactively presented a mid- to long-term development strategy in preparation for the era of integrated South Jeolla and Gwangju. The city announced that, ahead of the launch of the South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Special City and the 9th nationwide local elections, it has identified the 'Eight Major Pledge Initiatives for Mokpo's Future Development' and delivered them to each political party.

Mokpo City Hall.

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These pledge initiatives are being evaluated as concrete strategies to define Mokpo's role and direction of growth in response to the administrative and economic changes expected following integration. The city has prepared 26 detailed tasks across eight key sectors-offshore wind power, marine mobility, fisheries and food, ports, healthcare, SOC (social overhead capital), tourism, and balanced development-reflecting its existing core industries and regional issues.

In particular, for the offshore wind power sector, the city has proposed nurturing the operation and maintenance (O&M) industry centered around Mokpo New Port, with the aim of establishing itself as an energy hub in the southwest sea. Within the marine mobility sector, the focus is on enhancing the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry by fostering future industries such as eco-friendly ships, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for naval vessels, and underwater drones.

For the fisheries and food sector, the strategy is to advance the industry by centering on processed and branded blue food products, especially those based on the seaweed industry. The port sector aims to expand logistics functions through the establishment of e-commerce express shipping and the expansion of international routes.

Additionally, the plan includes initiatives to improve the residential environment. Attracting the South Jeolla Integrated Medical School and University Hospital and strengthening public healthcare functions have been proposed as key tasks to address the healthcare gap in the southwest region.

Other measures included are the construction of the West Coast Railway (Mokpo to Gunsan), the development of a wide-area road network connecting Mokpo New Port and Muan International Airport, and the creation of a multi-modal transfer center linked to the comprehensive renovation of Mokpo Station, all aimed at enhancing transportation accessibility and connectivity within the living sphere.

In the tourism sector, the plan is to establish a new growth axis for the regional economy by promoting a stay-type tourism strategy that combines gastronomy, culture, and island resources.

Mokpo City explained that these pledge initiatives have been structured around projects that can link with special provisions under the Integrated Special Act, thereby increasing their feasibility.

A city official stated, "Integration is an opportunity, but if we do not prepare, the gap between regions could widen. We will focus our administrative capacity to ensure that the proposed initiatives are implemented as actual policies."

Meanwhile, the city is continuously refining its mid- to long-term development strategy through the 'Mokpo Big Picture Project,' accelerating its response to the era of integration.

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