Restarting the Bu-Ul-Gyeong Mega City Project

Democratic Party candidates representing the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (PK) regions have officially declared the revival of the Mega City project (a strategic plan to link neighboring cities into a single large economic zone).

Candidates Kim Kyoung-soo (Gyeongnam), Jeon Jae-soo (Busan), and Kim Sang-wook (Ulsan) gathered at the memorial of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae. They held a joint launch ceremony titled 'Maritime Capital Mega City' to solidify their cooperation.

This initiative aims to do more than just redraw administrative lines; it is designed to redistribute population and capital currently concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area back to the provinces.

What is a 'Mega City' and Why Does It Matter?

The project focuses on creating a unified living space where Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam function as one. Currently, South Korea faces a severe imbalance where almost all infrastructure and jobs are centered around the capital.

A real-life example of this concept is Silicon Valley in the US or the Greater London area. By connecting multiple cities into one tech or economic hub, it creates a self-sustaining ecosystem. This allows young professionals to find high-quality jobs without having to move to the capital.

"Through the Maritime Capital Mega City, we will create a new heart for the regional economy and restore balanced national development."

Three Key Visions Shared by the Candidates

During the ceremony, the candidates presented specific goals to regain public trust and drive regional growth:

  • Maritime Economic Integration: Leveraging the geographical advantages of the three regions to become a world-class logistics hub.
  • Expanding Transportation Networks: Building a wide-area transport system that connects the three regions within 1 hour for easier commuting.
  • Job Creation for Youth: Attracting major corporations and high-tech industrial complexes to keep local talent in the region.

The candidates emphasized that this declaration is not just a political slogan but a practical survival strategy to overcome the crisis of regional extinction.