Industry minister to embark on regional tours to promote balanced development
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, right, visits a humanoid development center in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, Jan. 13. Courtesy of Ministry of Trade, industry and Energy
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will begin a series of visits to regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area later this week as part of government efforts to promote balanced regional development, his office said Tuesday.
Under the plan, Kim will start the tour in North Jeolla Province on Thursday and continue visiting other regions through the end of February, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
"The government will pursue development efforts with a heightened sense of urgency, viewing 2026 as both a critical starting point and a final opportunity for regional growth," Kim said.
The initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at reducing reliance on the capital area by reorganizing the country into five major regional blocs, along with three special self-governing provinces.
Since taking office, President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to promote balanced regional development, stating the government will increase budgetary support for regions outside the capital area.