Hwasun County Launches Strong Bid for 2nd Round of Public Institution Relocation... Betting on Bio and Medical Industries

Strategy Meeting Led by Governor Lim Jirak

Defining Target Institutions for Tailored Attraction

Leveraging Korea's Only Vaccine Industrial Zone and Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital Infrastructure

Attracting Institutions by Highlighting Strengths in Housing, Childcare, and Transportation

Hwasun County has officially begun efforts to attract public institutions in line with the government's second round of public institution relocation initiatives. Leveraging its core strengths—being Korea's only designated Vaccine Industrial Zone and home to Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital—Hwasun County aims to target and attract public institutions that can generate synergy with its regional industry, focusing on its bio and medical infrastructure.

On August 10, Hwasun County, led by County Governor Lim Jirak, held the "2nd Public Institution Attraction Strategy Meeting" to review response strategies in accordance with the government's public institution relocation policies and to assess the target institutions for attraction.

The scene of the 2nd Public Institution Attraction Strategy Meeting in progress. Courtesy of Hwasun County

During the meeting, participants analyzed the government's overall plans for public institution relocation and the hosting trends of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Metropolitan City, focusing on identifying and specifying which institutions could best utilize Hwasun’s industrial base and locational advantages.

Recently, President Lee Jaemyung expressed his strong commitment to promoting the relocation of public enterprises during a press conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration. This has accelerated discussions regarding the second round of public institution relocations.

Immediately, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is expected to announce guidelines in September containing principles for public institution relocation, with full-scale relocation of leading institutions projected to begin in 2027.

The Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Metropolitan City is also responding to the competition to attract public institutions. Reflecting the changed industrial landscape, including the establishment of a semiconductor cluster in the Honam region, it has expanded its list of proposed institutions to attract, as submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, from 40 to 45 organizations.

Similarly, Hwasun County plans to develop tailored strategies to attract institutions with high relevance to local industries. The county will strengthen cooperation with the Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Metropolitan City and related organizations, while expanding field activities such as site visits and meetings with key stakeholders at these institutions.

The greatest competitive advantage in Hwasun's bid lies in its bio and medical industry foundation.

Centred around Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital—which serves over 600,000 inpatients and outpatients annually—the county has established a strong medical infrastructure. Additionally, it houses the nation’s only Vaccine Industrial Zone, which supports the entire vaccine development cycle, from research and development to production and certification.

Building on this foundation, the county is pursuing advancement as a cutting-edge medical complex, highlighting the high degree of industrial connectivity it can offer to public institutions in the bio and medical sectors.

The county is also working to enhance living conditions for relocated institution employees and their families. The Samcheon District urban development project, which will accommodate about 4,500 households, is set to begin construction by 2029. Additionally, a 40-room dormitory in the Hwasun Vaccine Industrial Zone is slated for completion in the first half of next year.

Supporting policies—such as the "10,000 Won Rental Housing" for young adults and newlyweds, and Hwasun’s first-ever 24-hour daycare center in Jeonnam—are also being promoted as key elements enhancing Hwasun’s competitiveness in attracting public institutions.

Accessibility to the wider Gwangju metropolitan area is another strength. Hwasun borders eight neighborhoods, cities, and districts, including Dong-gu and Nam-gu in the Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Metropolitan City, and features transport links that connect to key hubs such as KTX Gwangju Songjeong Station and the proposed Southwest Semiconductor Cluster within approximately 30 minutes.

The county also plans to leverage the “Hwasun Top 11” tourist attractions—including Hwasun’s Red Cliffs and the UNESCO World Heritage Hwasun Dolmen Site—as well as amenities such as the 87-hole Hwasun Park Golf Course and other sports and leisure infrastructure to support the settlement and well-being of relocated institution employees.

Governor Lim Jirak stated, "Attracting public institutions is more than just relocation; it’s a crucial opportunity for population growth, job creation, and the development of our regional industries. We will fully commit to a strategic and focused campaign that utilizes Hwasun's strengths—from our advanced bioindustry to superb living conditions—to attract public institutions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.