Only 7% of Gyeongbuk's 30 Trillion Won Investments Go to Northern Region... Assemblyman Kim Daeil Urges "Independent Growth Strategy Needed to Address Marginalization"

by Gu Daeseon

Published 10 Dec.2025 16:05(KST)

Kim Daeil, a member of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly (People Power Party, Andong 3rd District), strongly urged during a five-minute free speech at the 3rd plenary session of the 359th regular session of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly held on December 10, 2025, that "Gyeongbuk must consolidate its administrative capabilities with an independent growth strategy unique to the province," as discussions on administrative integration have recently resumed.

Assemblyman Kim pointed out, "The ongoing discussions on administrative integration have caused significant wounds to public sentiment and the economy in the northern region," and emphasized the seriousness of the northern region's marginalization by stating, "Over the past three years, only 7% of the total 30.3 trillion won in investment attracted to Gyeongbuk went to the northern region, and Andong received less than 1%."

Kim Daeil, Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly Member

He also addressed the issue of residential conditions in the provincial government’s new town, which is approaching the 10th anniversary of the relocation. Kim Daeil noted, "As of March this year, the vacancy rate for commercial complexes in the new town reached 30.7%, and not a single shovel has been turned for the second phase of apartment sales," stressing, "We must promptly reorganize the new town as a key hub for Gyeongbuk’s development through a feasible roadmap redesign."

He went on to propose the creation of a "Northern Region New Economic Belt" centered on the northern area connecting Andong, Yeongju, and Uiseong, linking industries such as bio and vaccine, food tech, air logistics, and advanced agri-food. He also suggested relocating the Gyeongbuk Sports Council and the Provincial Art Troupe to the new town, as well as constructing a provincial art museum, to transform the new town into a center of culture, sports, and tourism.

Regarding current issues in education, he mentioned the establishment of the (tentatively named) Korea Webtoon High School, the first public alternative school in Gyeongbuk, highlighting it as an opportunity to foster future talent in cultural content. Assemblyman Kim urged, "Gyeongbuk Province, the Gyeongbuk Office of Education, and Andong City should actively communicate with local residents by holding explanatory sessions and accelerate the project’s implementation."

Kim Daeil concluded, "What is needed now is an independent growth strategy unique to Gyeongbuk," adding, "By reorganizing the new town as a platform for Gyeongbuk’s development and building a new industrial ecosystem centered on bio, culture, and education, we can achieve balanced development not only for Gyeongbuk but also for the entire Republic of Korea."