Seven Cities and Counties in Jeonnam-Gwangju's Eastern Region Launch Win-Win Council, Join Hands for Joint Development

10 agenda items on tourism, industry, transportation, and the local economy approved

The seven cities and counties in the eastern region of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City have established a standing cooperation framework to address local issues and promote joint development.

Suncheon City announced on the 29th that the inaugural meeting of the Eastern Region Win-Win Council, attended by seven local governments—Yeosu, Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, Gurye, Goheung, and Boseong—was held at the Yeosu World Islands Expo venue.

Heads of local governments pose for a commemorative photo after the inaugural meeting of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Eastern Region Council for Mutual Prosperity, representing seven cities and counties, on the 29th. Photo courtesy of Suncheon City.

At the meeting, Goheung County was selected as the council's first chairing local government, and 10 agenda items concerning tourism, industry, transportation, and the local economy were deliberated and approved.

The main agenda items included reciprocal discounts on admission to tourist facilities; joint promotion of festivals representing each city and county; extending the runway at Yeosu Airport and upgrading it to an international airport; administrative and financial support for the 2027 World Taekwondo Hanmadang; and compensation for reductions in general local allocation tax for 2023 and 2024.

The seven local governments agreed to expand tourism exchanges across the region through discounts at tourist facilities and joint promotion of their signature festivals. They also agreed to work together to expand regional transportation infrastructure, including by seeking to upgrade Yeosu Airport to an international airport.

In particular, Suncheon City plans to request administrative and financial support for the successful hosting of the World Taekwondo Hanmadang, scheduled for July 2027. The local governments will also strengthen their cooperation so that the benefits of hosting an international event lead to increased tourism and economic growth throughout the eastern region.

They also agreed to jointly request compensation for reductions in general local allocation tax to improve the stability of local finances and ensure that local projects proceed without disruption.

Suncheon Mayor Son Hunmo said, "The launch of this council is a meaningful starting point for joining forces to advance the entire eastern region, beyond the boundaries of individual cities and counties. In step with the launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, the seven local governments will speak with one voice and work to ensure that the results of our cooperation bring tangible changes to residents' lives."

Meanwhile, the Eastern Region Win-Win Council is a cooperative body formed after the seven local governments joined forces in response to a proposal by Suncheon City in June. It was established to jointly address changes in the administrative environment following the launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and to promote balanced development in the eastern region.

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