Daegu-Gyeongsangbuk-do Administrative Integration Gains Momentum, Targeting the Launch of an 'Integrated Special City' in 2028

[Financial News] Daegu Metropolitan City and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government are joining forces to secure passage of the Administrative Integration Special Act through the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea by the end of the year, with the launch of an Integrated Special City targeted for 2028.
According to the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government, Daegu Metropolitan City and others on the 25th, the bill for the Daegu-Gyeongsangbuk-do Administrative Integration Special Act has been pending before the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly since February. It still awaits committee review and a vote at a plenary session.
Mayor Choo Kyung-ho of Daegu and Governor Lee Cheol-woo of Gyeongsangbuk-do previously agreed in a meeting in July to launch the Integrated Special City in 2028. In response, the two local governments upgraded the head of their integration task force to a position equivalent to that of a deputy head of a local government and began full-scale preparations, including coordination with the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and communication with residents.
The special act would grant the Integrated Special City a status equivalent to that of Seoul Special City. It also includes special provisions for industry, transportation and healthcare, as well as support for the development of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government New Town.
The two local governments plan to continue consultations on fiscal support, the priority relocation of public institutions and the transfer of authority so that the government's integration support measures are applied equally to both regions. They will also establish regional development strategies to minimize administrative gaps caused by the integration and address concerns that areas such as northern Gyeongsangbuk-do could be left behind.
Governor Lee Cheol-woo of Gyeongsangbuk-do emphasized, "The goal of integration is to create conditions that enable residents to plan a better future in their hometowns."
[email protected] Choi Seung-han Reporter