South Korean cities compete to host integrated power enterprise headquarters

South Korean regional governments are intensifying competition to host the integrated headquarters of the nation's five major power generation public enterprises.

Jinju City Mayor Cho Kyu-il recently visited the National Assembly to advocate for the relocation of the integrated headquarters to the Jinju Innovation City. During his meetings with various parliamentary committees, he requested support for several key projects, including the establishment of a future aircraft safety evaluation platform, a national entrepreneurship hall, and a 3D printing technology support center. He also sought funding for the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Jinju branch and the Korea Drama Festival.

Simultaneously, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City has formally proposed to the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment that the integrated headquarters be located within its jurisdiction. The city argues it is uniquely positioned as an energy capital, citing its status as a major production base for offshore wind power and its concentration of existing power-related public institutions and research centers in Naju Bitgaram Innovation City. The city aims to leverage its RE100 industrial complex capabilities to support future high-tech industries.