The Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City is advocating for the prioritization of public institutions ahead of the second phase of their relocation. Academics have joined the call, emphasizing the need for the relocation of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, the headquarters of five power companies, and IBK Industrial Bank.
Experts argue that the relocation of public institutions should not merely be a distribution among regions but should be approached as a strategic placement aimed at enhancing industrial competitiveness and achieving national balanced development. This perspective raises questions about how it may influence the government's selection and placement of relocating institutions.
According to the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City, the Korean Regional Development Association held its 2026 Fall Academic Conference on November 13 in Naju, focusing on the theme of 'Second Phase of Public Institution Relocation and Balanced Development Strategies for Integrated Metropolitan Areas.'
The conference attracted over 200 participants, including academic experts, local government officials, and representatives from related organizations, who discussed strategies for attracting public institutions to the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City and plans for regional balanced development.
In his keynote speech, Go Kwang-wan, a special professor at Chosun University, emphasized the need for the government to reflect the special consideration for prioritizing the integrated city in the relocation of public institutions as outlined in the 'Special Law for the Establishment of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City.'
Professor Go proposed that the headquarters of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, and the five power companies should be located in the integrated city, citing the region's largest agricultural and fishery production base and abundant renewable energy resources.
He also highlighted the necessity of prioritizing the relocation of IBK Industrial Bank, a specialized financial institution for small and medium-sized enterprises, to build an industrial ecosystem linked to the planned investment of 800 trillion won by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in semiconductor production facilities.
Practical execution plans regarding securing office buildings and improving living conditions due to the relocation of public institutions were also presented.
Yu Chang-ho, a senior researcher at the Regional Development Institute of Chonnam National University, suggested constructing a modular joint rental office building within the innovation city to accommodate 2,200 people for the swift relocation of smaller institutions.
Kim Kyung-ae, CEO of K Research and Consulting, emphasized that based on surveys of relocating institution employees and local residents, there should be simultaneous efforts to enhance cultural and medical facilities and improve regional transportation networks to create a stable living environment.
Im Hyung-baek, a professor at Sungkyul University, argued that the relocation of public institutions should be pursued in a manner that enhances regional industries and national productivity, rather than framing it as a conflict between the capital region and local areas.
He introduced the 'Nash equilibrium' policy model, which seeks to find a reasonable balance while adjusting the interests of different regions.
Additionally, discussions and presentations continued on topics such as addressing regional development disparities, strengthening the role of local governments, residential mobility and regional settlement, improving the quality of life in rural areas, and changes in regional vitality and living environments.
Jeon Han-seong, head of the Financial Planning Division of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City, stated, "The second phase of public institution relocation is a crucial opportunity to expand the region's future growth base and establish a new turning point for national balanced growth. We will concentrate all our efforts to ensure that the government's promise of preferential treatment for integrated regions is practically reflected in the relocation policy."
Ki Jeong-hoon, president of the Korean Regional Development Association, remarked, "The launch of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City holds significant meaning as it connects the region's industries, talents, universities, research institutions, and living areas into a single metropolitan development system beyond administrative boundaries."
He further emphasized, "The second phase of public institution relocation and the reorganization of the metropolitan administrative system present an important policy opportunity to redesign the region's future."
Meanwhile, Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City views the second phase of public institution relocation as a key task for enhancing the regional industrial structure and balanced development. It is responding to ensure that the preferential treatment outlined in the special law for integrated cities is reflected in the actual selection and placement of relocating institutions. The necessity for relocation of specific institutions, securing office buildings, and improving living conditions, as presented at this academic conference, is expected to become a major focus in the government's public institution relocation policy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.