Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City regional development

The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City is advancing several regional development and infrastructure initiatives. The city has launched its fourth round of public recruitment for a regional waste recovery facility capable of processing 650 tons of daily municipal waste. The recruitment period runs from September 14 to October 12. To qualify, applicants must secure consent from at least 50% of households within 300 meters of the site boundary. The selected district will receive 50 billion won in special support funds and various resident convenience facilities.

Regarding energy infrastructure, the city has formally proposed to the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment that the integrated headquarters of South Korea’s five major power generation public enterprises be located within its jurisdiction. The city maintains it is uniquely positioned as an energy capital due to its offshore wind power production and the concentration of power-related research centers in Naju Bitgaram Innovation City.

To support these developments, the city has announced its first organizational restructuring plan. The proposal seeks to expand the administrative structure from 4 offices, 7 headquarters, and 24 bureaus to 4 offices, 8 headquarters, and 27 bureaus. This includes establishing a semiconductor office directly under the mayor. However, the plan has faced criticism from City Council member Ju Yeon-chang, who warned that the Dongbu Office lacks sufficient high-ranking officials and decision-making authority, potentially leading to regional marginalization for critical industries like steel, petrochemicals, and secondary batteries.