(Unofficial translation)


Distinguished residents of Jeollanam-do Province, 

Possessing nature that is beautiful and quintessentially Korean, Muan is a cultural, historic site emblematic of the southern provinces. With the completion of the Seohaean Expressway, the Provincial Government being relocated here and the opening of its international airport, Muan is ushering in the era of Korea’s West Coast. 

Today, I am very pleased to meet you all here in Muan, a county that protects nature and traditions while unlocking the future.

The spirit of Jeollanam-do is generous and resilient. The mudflats of Muan have readily offered everything the sea nurtures, and residents of the Korean Archipelago have preserved their lives by overcoming the sea.

With such a generous and resilient spirit, Jeollanam-do has righted the course of history. Jeollanam-do is a place steeped in the guardian spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. 

During Japan’s 16th century invasions of Korea, Jeollanam-do residents, together with Admiral Yi Sun-sin, safeguarded the country with only 12 ships. Centuries later, the people of Jeollanam-do were the protagonists of the March First Independence Movement and the Gwangju Student Independence Movement. They also firmly upheld justice at critical historical junctures, ranging from the April 19 Revolution, May 18 Democratization Movement and June Democratic Struggle to the most recent candlelight revolution. They awakened people to the fact that the power to triumph over turbulent times rests with ordinary people.

I extend my profound respect and gratitude to Jeollanam-do residents who have helped defend the Republic of Korea and righted historic justice.

I forged personal relations with Jeollanam-do at Daeheung-sa Temple in Haename in 1978. At that time, I changed my resident registration to the Temple’s address and received army reserve training at a local military camp. This made me briefly a legal resident of Jeollanam-do. Still deeply etched into my mind are the beautiful scenery and warm-hearted generosity of Jeollanam-do that I saw and experienced back then. 

Last year, 2018, marked the millennial anniversary of Jeolla-do’s founding. This is year one of a new millennium. It is truly meaningful for me to join today’s vision declaration ceremony to announce the start of a new millennium. I am filled with deep emotions.

Jeollanam-do has now completed preparing for a new chapter in its thousand-year history of having the spirit to take on challenges. Today, Jeollanam-do is unveiling its grand “Blue Economy Jeollanam-do” vision based on its islands, sea, sky, wind and other naturally abundant resources. I look forward to the “Blue Economy” becoming a blue chip to advance Jeollanam-do and infuse vitality into the Korean economy.

People of Jeollanam-do,

This province, Korea’s leader in terms of the amount of power generated through renewable energy, is at the forefront of the new energy industry and justly deserves its title “capital of the global new energy industry.”

The province has enormous growth potential with renewable energies given that it receives the most sunshine in the country and has an abundance of offshore wind. I am convinced that the province will emerge as Korea’s energy center, encompassing both conventional and new energy sources. 

The Government will provide all possible support to help Naju’s Bitgaram Innovation City grow into a specialized energy valley and, ultimately, a hub for the next-generation new energy sector.

Drones and future cars are two of the eight pace-setting industries my Administration selected to promote innovative growth. A comprehensive national performance test center for unmanned air vehicles such as drones will be constructed in Goheung. Goheung and Jeollanam-do will lead aerospace industry innovation with the Naro Space Center and drones playing a central role.

Jeollanam-do has attracted a 48 billion won project to build a demonstration center for compact electric vehicles and so will play a part in the automobile industry of the future. The province will become a center that will lead a future automobile industry that is driven primarily by small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-market companies. 

Jeollanam-do is one of Koreans’ most popular tourist destinations thanks to its numerous sites for hands-on experiences and enjoyment. With its rich maritime tourism and cultural resources; pristine environment; and abundant, safe and delicious eco-friendly foods, the province is truly an attractive destination on par with world-renowned tourist spots.  

More than one million tourists have already visited the Cheonsa Bridge in Sinan County since it opened this April.

If another bridge connecting islands in Sinan and Yeosu is constructed as planned, it will help improve the quality of life for island residents and make it easier for tourists to travel around the area.

Transport infrastructure will be steadily improved to bring an increasing number of people into Jeollanam-do to enjoy its beauty.

The Honam high-speed railroad that runs by Muan International Airport will be completed soon and linked to the Gyeongjeon Line, connecting Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeollanam-do, thereby making access to the airport more convenient for residents in both provinces. 

The Government will join forces to open an era when the total number of tourists to Jeollanam-do breaks the 60 million mark by supporting the creation of a Southwest Coast tourism and recreation belt that involves historic sites connected to Admiral Yi Sun-sin and programs to promote South Coast tourism. 

The bio-health industry is one of three pace-setting industries for innovative growth. The Government aims to help domestic producers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices increase their global market share to 6 percent with exports of US$50 billion by 2030.

Jeollanam-do is also strategically pushing to expand its vaccine industry infrastructure. We will jointly usher in an era of people enjoying good health for 100 years by linking the Government’s biohealth industry innovation strategy and Jeollanam-do’s bio industry vision. The Government promises to join forces to help the province live up to its slogan “Bio Medical Hub, Jeollanam-do.”   

Jeollanam-do is forming a medical convergence and integration cluster that builds on the Hwasun Vaccine Industry Special District and connects the world-class medical science, pharmacology and natural healing environment in Jangheung, Jangseong and Wando. When the construction of the vaccine consignment manufacturing facility in Hwasun is completed in 2021, the development of new vaccine production processes and prototypes for clinical trials will become possible, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of relevant small- and medium-sized enterprises and startups. 

Residents of Jeollanam-do,

The advancement of Jeollanam-do equals the advancement of the Republic of Korea. 

On July 10, the Presidential Committee for Balanced National Development reviewed and approved a master plan to establish the KEPCO engineering university. We will provide steady support to ensure that the school opens in 2022 as planned.   

I believe that it will play a significant role in not only nurturing professionals that the country needs but also in achieving balanced regional development. 

Preparations will be made to ensure that the section of the Gyeongjeon Line between Gwangju Songjeong Station and Suncheon in Jeollanam-do will be electrified as planned. 

When the project is completed, the travel time between Gwangju Songjeong and Busan will be shortened from 5 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the transport of more people and goods between Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do and helping the provinces grow together. 

Sky routes servicing Jeollanam-do will also be wide open. Beginning with the extension of its runway, Muan International Airport will be developed into a hub and gateway that spurs balanced regional development. 

Now, Jeollanam-do is standing on a path toward bold changes and innovation. Its fertile land and vast sea will set the stage for Jeollanam-do’s new millennium to unfold. 

The spirit to take on challenges, resilience and righteous mettle are the pride of Jeollanam-do residents and show the potential of the people who have established firm roots here for over one thousand years. I am looking forward to you fully demonstrating these qualities. 

Our future generations will remember this day in Jeollanam-do as the day that a new tomorrow began for the Republic of Korea. 

I hope that Jeollanam-do comes to show the future of a beautiful and growing Republic of Korea. We will always stand by you. 

Thank you.