Will Gwangju Outshine Busan? Kim Young-rok’s Vision for a Cutting-Edge Industrial Complex

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[Herald Economy (Gwangju)= Seo In-ju] Kim Young-rok, the Democratic Party’s candidate for the Jeonnam–Gwangju special mayoralty, outlined a development strategy for the Gwangju area at a policy-jurors’ in-depth forum held at Seoseok Hall, Chosun University in Gwangju on the 29th. He proposed transforming Gwangju Airport and the Maruk-dong ammunition depot—totaling 5 million pyeong (about 4,084 acres, roughly 6.38 sq mi)—into a mixed-use cultural and industrial complex that would become a landmark for the city.

He also pledged to create an advanced, mixed-use industrial complex in the Gwangju region that would surpass Busan’s Centum City, combining semiconductor and artificial intelligence research clusters with convention centers, hotels, and tourism, leisure, and resort facilities.

Kim cited his record—establishing Korea Energy University, expanding renewable energy capacity such as solar and wind power, and attracting AI data centers and the artificial sun (fusion) project—and emphasized that “all of these came from close communication with President Lee Jae-myung.”

He argued that someone who has delivered results in Jeonnam can do the same in Gwangju, presenting himself as a prepared candidate for the integrated special mayor position.

Asked by the jurors about his top pledge and vision, Kim said he would immediately set up an “Emergency Economic Situation Room” upon taking office to revive a local economy strained further by recent Middle East conflicts and to support struggling small businesses and vulnerable residents. He also outlined a long-term plan to attract major advanced semiconductor firms to fundamentally reshape Jeonnam–Gwangju’s industrial landscape.

In response to a juror’s concern that Gwangju lacks entertainment options, he promised to boost the city’s appeal—proposing a K-pop arena and a second Everland theme park—to develop Gwangju into a global cultural tourism hub. He also proposed building the “5·18 World Democracy Hall” to symbolize Gwangju’s role in Korea’s democratization.

Kim said, “I am someone who keeps promises. I, Kim Young-rok, will fulfill every pledge I make,” and added, “With my extensive administrative experience and communication skills, I will be the integrated mayor our citizens want—and the president wants.”