Woori Bank's 106-Year Legacy: A Visit to the Jeonju Financial Center

On May 18, I arrived at Wansan-gu Paldal-ro after a 20-minute bus ride from Jeonju Station. Amidst ordinary buildings, one structure stood out, reminiscent of European architecture. Inside, employees were bustling about, and visitors filled the space at the Woori Bank Jeonju Financial Center, which has been a fixture for 106 years.

The Jeonju Financial Center, which opened in 1920 as the Jeonju branch of Hanil Bank, has played a crucial role in supporting the local economy. It has evolved into a regional financial hub, serving not just as an old branch but as a central player in the Jeonbuk area. The center is particularly focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed individuals, reflecting the unique characteristics of its location near Jeonju Hanok Village and a high-tech industrial complex.

In an interview, Lee Seung-hwa, the center's director, stated, "The Jeonju Financial Center has been a representative branch of Woori Bank, accompanying the growth of local customers and the regional economy for over 100 years. We have consistently supported the financial needs of local businesses and residents, and we continue to serve as a key financial hub in the area."

The Jeonju Financial Center has gained increased attention recently due to its pivotal role in Woori Financial Group's plan to enhance financial infrastructure in Jeonbuk Province.

Woori Financial is actively building financial infrastructure in Jeonbuk, which is emerging as a key area for balanced development under the '5 poles and 3 specialties' initiative.

The focus is on providing corporate financing to stimulate the local economy. Woori Bank plans to establish the 'Jeonbuk BIZ Prime Center,' a specialized corporate finance branch, to concentrate its corporate financing capabilities. This initiative aims to enhance synergy among local branches centered around the Jeonju area and expand business attraction and transaction bases.

Additionally, Woori Bank is promoting a venture startup support program called 'Dino Lab Jeonbuk Center' to foster small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, with plans to supply approximately 1.6 trillion won in funding over five years to local small businesses and self-employed individuals. The number of employees in the Jeonbuk region is also set to increase from 200 to 300, contributing to job creation through local talent recruitment.

Lee emphasized, "Jeonbuk is a region where the capital market and advanced industries are growing together, and I believe the interest and role of the financial sector will continue to expand. We will further enhance on-site financial support to contribute practically to revitalizing the local economy and establishing a financial hub."