Regional Economic Innovation Cases in One Place... Over 200 Organizations Gather in Gangneung

[Financial News] An event to share regional economic revitalization policies and achievements promoted by local governments and public institutions will be held in Gangneung. Projects that have achieved results in the local field will be introduced, including cases where 3.3 billion won in budget was saved through the recycling of waste styrofoam and 26.8 billion won in economic effects were generated through night tourism.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) announced that it will hold the '2026 Regional Economy Innovation Expo' at Gangneung Olympic Park for two days starting on the 17th. This year's event will be held in conjunction with the '21st Local Public Institutions Day'.
Approximately 200 organizations, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), local governments, local public institutions, and private organizations, are participating. The exhibition will showcase social solidarity co-growth policies such as Sunshine Income Villages and youth employment in the social solidarity economy, as well as regional economic policies addressing regional extinction and population decline, including the Hometown Love Donation System, Local Love Gift Certificates, and "Good Price Businesses." Projects in the disaster safety sector, such as river and valley maintenance and safety inspections, will also be on display.
At the opening ceremony on the 17th, awards will also be presented to those who contributed to the '22nd Korea Local Autonomy Management Awards' and the '21st Local Public Institutions Day'. The Presidential Commendation for the Local Autonomy Management Awards will be awarded to Haenam County in the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, Suyeong District, Busan, and Jinju City, Gyeongnam. Haenam County saved approximately 3.3 billion won in budget by utilizing mobile waste styrofoam compactors to turn marine waste into resources. Suyeong District, Busan, was evaluated to have achieved an economic effect of 26.8 billion won by fostering night tourism, such as operating a permanent drone and laser show at Gwangalli.
Jinju City established a wide-area transfer discount platform and introduced demand-responsive buses. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), this resulted in an increase of 2.46 million public transportation users and a reduction of 8.2 billion won in transportation costs for users.
Among local public institutions, the Chungnam Content Agency, the Gyeonggi Next Generation Convergence Technology Research Institute, and the Gyeongbuk Credit Guarantee Foundation will receive the Presidential Commendation.
The Chungnam Content Agency supported local companies in raising funds through the formation of an investment fund. The Gyeonggi Next Generation Convergence Technology Research Institute provided GPUs and NPUs to startups and SMEs that find it difficult to establish their own AI infrastructure, thereby providing a foundation for testing and verifying AI semiconductors.
The Gyeongbuk Credit Guarantee Foundation was recognized for its contribution to expanding the guarantee limit and interest subsidy rate for small business owners through the amendment of ordinances.
In the individual category, President Jang Chung-mo of Jeonnam Development Corporation will receive the National Medal, and former Gyeongnam Techno Park Director Cho Yu-seop will receive the Presidential Commendation. President Jang promoted Jeonnam's first public-led Yeonggwang Yaksu offshore wind power project in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, while former Director Cho supported sales expansion, productivity improvement, and cost reduction through customized support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
During the event, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) plans to share best practices regarding regional economic revitalization and management innovation, and will also explain measures to expand support for public housing supply by local public institutions and the direction of the 2027 management evaluation for local public institutions.

[email protected] Lee Bo-mi Reporter