Jung Wono and Kim Kyungsoo to Promote Regional Win-Win Cooperation with 'Gyeongnam-Type Seongsu Project'

Kim Kyungsoo, Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, and Jung Wonoh, Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Seoul mayor, announced the "Seoul-Gyeongnam Mutual Growth and Cooperation Joint Declaration" at Changdong Culture and Art Village in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do on April 21, 2026. The two candidates stated that they would jointly promote a new regional mutual growth model that connects Seoul's innovation capabilities with Gyeongnam's manufacturing capabilities.

Jung Wonoh, Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Seoul mayor. Yonhap News Agency

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In the joint declaration, they emphasized, "Seoul and Gyeongnam are not competitors, but partners for mutual growth," adding, "We will create a new model for balanced development in Korea, where each region grows together, beyond the current metropolitan-centric system."

As initial cooperation tasks, they proposed: ▲Collaboration on manufacturing artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial innovation ▲Promotion of the 'Gyeongnam-style Seongsu Project' ▲Building a youth startup ecosystem ▲Expansion of Gyeongnam’s stay-type tourism and workation ▲Nurturing local talent ▲Expanding distribution and sales channels for agricultural and marine products. In particular, based on the successful model of urban regeneration, startups, and culture in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, they plan to launch the "Gyeongnam-style Seongsu Project" in the original downtown areas of Gyeongnam, including Changdong in Masan, by combining youth startups, culture, and local brands.

Jung Wonoh stated, "The transformation of Seongsu-dong is meaningful not only because it revitalized old spaces, but also because it created an ecosystem where young people, businesses, and culture grew together," and added, "Gyeongnam can also create innovation hubs tailored to its regional characteristics."

Kim Kyungsoo, Democratic Party of Korea Candidate for Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

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Kim Kyungsoo said, "When Seoul's technology and investment meet Gyeongnam's industry and on-site capabilities, we can create a new growth engine for Korea," stressing, "We will make Gyeongnam a place where young people can learn, work, and succeed locally, without having to leave for the metropolitan area."

The two candidates agreed to immediately form a Seoul-Gyeongnam working-level consultative body after taking office to promptly implement priority action tasks, and to gradually expand practical cooperation in areas closely related to daily life, such as industry, youth, tourism, and distribution.

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