Mokpo City is taking proactive measures to incorporate key local issues into the policies and promises of the integrated special city of Jeonnam-Gwangju before they are finalized.
The city has identified a total of 37 strategic projects, including Mokpo New Port, offshore wind energy, a national medical school, and the K-seaweed industry, with plans to expand them into city-wide initiatives.
On August 11, Mokpo City held a strategy meeting on responding to the integrated special city promises, led by Mayor Kang Seong-hwi, to discuss ways to incorporate these 37 projects into future policies aimed at regional growth and balanced development in the southwestern region.
The core of this initiative is to move away from the traditional approach of demanding project inclusion only after the promises of the integrated special city are finalized. Instead, the city aims to include Mokpo's key issues from the promise formulation stage.
The city analyzed the policy plan released by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Transition Planning Committee in July, selecting 37 projects across seven areas: eight in future industries, six in balanced development, three in agricultural and life sciences, five in basic social services, six in culture and tourism, eight in green policies, and one in citizen sovereignty.
Key projects include the establishment of a new industrial complex at Mokpo New Port, the MASGA project for ship maintenance, and the creation of an offshore wind energy industry cluster at Mokpo New Port.
Also included are long-standing local issues such as the establishment of a national medical school and university hospital, the construction of a complex transfer center at Mokpo Station, the development of a global K-seaweed industry hub, the building of a regional convention center in the southwestern area, and the establishment of an integrated management system for the Yeongsan River estuary.
Mokpo City plans to approach these projects not merely as local issues but as regional initiatives that will drive growth for the entire integrated special city and promote balanced development in the southwestern region.
The strategy focuses on linking Mokpo's marine, port, fisheries, and cultural tourism resources to the growth of the integrated special city while enhancing the competitiveness of the southwestern region through improvements in medical, transportation, and industrial infrastructure.
During the meeting, discussions centered on how individual projects could align with the promises of the integrated special city, the feasibility and urgency of these projects, and the need for financial and policy support at the regional level.
Mayor Kang Seong-hwi stated, "If we wait until the promises of the integrated special city are finalized, it will be too late. We need to establish clear logic for each project now and actively persuade the relevant departments of the integrated special city."
He further urged, "Please respond proactively to ensure that Mokpo's key projects are maximally reflected in the promises and policies of the integrated special city."
Following this meeting, Mokpo City will begin formal discussions with the relevant departments of the integrated special city regarding the 37 projects. The city plans to continuously monitor the promise confirmation process and policy implementation trends to enhance the likelihood of project inclusion.
Once the promises of the integrated special city are finalized in the second half of this year, Mokpo City will reassess the inclusion of the 37 projects. Projects that are included will move forward with securing budgets and establishing execution plans, while those not included will have their necessity and regional impact arguments strengthened for continued policy advocacy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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