Jeonnam-Gwangju Europe Office

Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan Government of South Korea

Category: Allgemein

Jeonnam-Gwangju Achieves Strong Sales Results Through TikTok Shop Promotion in Europe

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Jeonnam-Gwangju has successfully expanded the international presence of its agricultural and fisheries products through a TikTok Shop promotional campaign, generating sales of approximately €97,000 during May and June while further strengthening the region’s competitiveness in the European market.

TikTok Shop, one of the world’s fastest-growing social commerce platforms, enables consumers to purchase products directly while watching short-form videos or live shopping broadcasts. As social commerce continues to reshape global e-commerce, the platform has become an increasingly important sales channel for brands seeking to engage younger and digitally connected consumers.

The Jeonnam-Gwangju Europe Office managed the overall project, including product selection, campaign coordination, and collaboration with local content creators.

During the campaign, 79 products from Jeonnam-Gwangju were introduced to European consumers, including roasted seaweed, seaweed crisps, matcha products, squid snacks, yuzu tea, tofu snacks, konjac jelly, and other regional specialties.

Sales were driven primarily through short-form videos and livestream shopping sessions created by local European influencers. These creators showcased the products, introduced their unique characteristics, and interacted with viewers in real time, allowing consumers to discover and purchase products directly through TikTok Shop.

Beyond its commercial success, the project also played an important role in increasing international awareness of Jeonnam-Gwangju’s agricultural and fisheries products while reaching new consumer groups across Europe. At the same time, the campaign provided valuable real-time insights into consumer preferences, helping to evaluate both the market potential and competitiveness of regional products.

Lee Min-cheol, CEO of Momogo, the Europe Office’s local business partner, commented:

“One of the greatest achievements of this project was the ability to observe European consumers’ reactions to Korean food products in real time through short-form content. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with local creators so that even more regional products can naturally reach European consumers.”

The campaign also reflects a broader shift in global e-commerce. Consumers are increasingly discovering products through short-form video content and livestream shopping rather than traditional search-based online shopping. As a result, digital marketing and creator partnerships have become key drivers of export competitiveness in international markets.

Building on the success of this initiative, Jeonnam-Gwangju plans to further diversify its international online sales channels beyond Amazon and overseas permanent sales platforms by expanding its presence on TikTok Shop and other emerging global marketplaces. The region will continue strengthening collaborations with local creators and investing in livestream commerce to support the international growth of Jeonnam-Gwangju’s agricultural and fisheries products.

Shin Hyun-gon, Director of International Cooperation for Jeonnam-Gwangju, stated:

“Global e-commerce is rapidly evolving from search-based shopping to product discovery through video content. By actively utilizing global platforms such as TikTok Shop, we will continue expanding overseas sales opportunities for Jeonnam-Gwangju’s agricultural and fisheries products while strengthening the export competitiveness of our local businesses.”

One Region, One Vision: The Launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City

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On July 1, 2026, South Korea made history. Gwangju and South Jeolla Province officially merged into the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City – the first metropolitan-level integration in the country’s history.

The new city launches as a local government with a population of 3.2 million, a gross regional domestic product of at least 150 trillion won, and an annual budget of up to 40 trillion won. The special law grants the newly established city a status equivalent to Seoul Special City, with special provisions for national fiscal support and educational autonomy.

President Lee Jae-myung called the merger „a starting signal for locally led growth that will change the nation’s future, and a national survival strategy for South Korea.”

What Makes This Region Special

The new city brings together two powerful strengths: Jeonnam’s eco-friendly energy meets Gwangju’s AI industry, establishing itself as a central city in the national energy and AI transformation.

Some core powers previously held by the central government, including permitting authority for large-scale development projects and the right to designate free economic zones, will also be transferred to the integrated special city. The government has pledged financial support totalling 20 trillion won over four years to ensure the integration’s success.

What This Means for Jeollanam-do in Europe

For the Jeollanamdo Europe Office (now Jeonnam-Gwangju Europe Office), this is a milestone moment. It doesn’t only mean a change of name, it means progress. The region we represent – home to Korea’s finest food culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a thriving food export industry – is now part of one of South Korea’s most ambitious regional development projects in decades.

We look forward to representing this new, stronger region and bringing even more of Jeollanam-do’s finest products and culture to European markets.

Honam Region Set to Become South Korea’s Second Major Semiconductor Hub as Samsung and SK Commit Combined 4,755 Trillion Won

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The southwestern Honam region, anchored by Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, is moving to the center of South Korea’s industrial strategy after Samsung Electronics and SK Group unveiled a combined investment plan of approximately 4,755 trillion KRW (roughly $3.1 trillion) in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The announcement, made at the “Three Mega Projects for a Great Leap Forward” national briefing, positions Honam as the country’s second major chip production base after the greater Seoul metropolitan area, backed by 800 trillion KRW earmarked specifically for new fabrication facilities—the largest private industrial investment in Korean history.

Following the announcement, Samsung and SK have begun outlining concrete follow-up plans for the region, with both companies citing the need to secure a successor cluster as their existing facilities in Pyeongtaek, Yongin, and Cheongju approach capacity.

Key Commitments:

  • Samsung’s Gwangju Fab Investment: Samsung Electronics will invest 425 trillion KRW in the Honam region, including 400 trillion KRW dedicated to building two new memory semiconductor fabs in Gwangju. Vice Chairman Young-Hyun Jeon described the move as a response to the accelerated completion timeline of the company’s metropolitan-area lines, which has made it necessary to designate a successor cluster to Yongin sooner than originally planned.
  • Power and Water Infrastructure: Samsung has called on the government to expand nuclear power capacity, advance power purchase agreements (PPAs), and ensure planned LNG combined heat and power generation, citing the need for stable baseload power to offset the intermittency of renewable sources in the region.
  • AI Data Center in Haenam: Samsung SDS will invest 17 trillion KRW to build a 210 MW-class national AI data center in Haenam Solaseado, with construction beginning in the second half of 2026 and operations targeted for 2028.
  • Additional Samsung Group Investment: Samsung Electronics will invest a further 4 trillion KRW in a smart home appliance innovation hub in Gwangju and a logistics automation pilot center in Gochang, while Samsung C&T will commit 4 trillion KRW to solar power, nuclear-based hydrogen production, and a green hydrogen R&D demonstration complex across the region.
  • SK Group’s Semiconductor Belt: SK Group will invest 2,100 trillion KRW overall, including 1,100 trillion KRW to build a semiconductor production belt linking Yongin, Cheongju, and a new 400 trillion KRW cluster in Honam.
  • SK’s AI Data Center Buildout: SK Telecom will lead a 1,000 trillion KRW nationwide AI data center program targeting 15 GW of capacity, with an initial 5 GW phase—deployed in 0.5–1 GW units—planned for regions including Honam, Ulsan, and Gangwon, followed by a second phase adding a further 10 GW.

The national plan is expected to reshape Honam’s economic profile substantially, forming part of a broader semiconductor belt connecting the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong, Honam, and Yeongnam regions. Government officials have also moved to accelerate the Yongin cluster’s completion timeline by up to 12 years through expanded infrastructure support and streamlined permitting, underscoring the urgency behind the southwestern expansion.

Honam’s transformation into a semiconductor and AI hub is framed by both companies and the government as a foundation for strengthening Korea’s global competitiveness in AI memory and advanced packaging, while anchoring long-term industrial growth in a region historically outside the country’s traditional manufacturing core.

Yeosu – Host of the UNFCCC Climate Week 2026

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The Republic of Korea has been officially selected to host the 2026 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Climate Week, following intense international competition, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) announced.

UNFCCC Climate Week is a major global event held annually ahead of the Conference of the Parties (COP), bringing together governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society to advance global responses to the climate crisis. Rotating by region each year, Korea was confirmed on January 29 as the host of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Climate Week.

Yeosu City was selected as the host location through a nationwide public call conducted among local governments in October 2025. The event will take place over six days starting on April 20, 2026, in and around the Yeosu Expo Convention area, Jeonnam-Gwangju. Approximately 1,000 climate experts and high-level officials from Korea and abroad are expected to attend, including ministerial-level representatives from the Asia-Pacific region and the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC.

Source: Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Yeosu World Island Exhibition 2026

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The Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will take place in Yeosu, South Korea, from September 5 to November 4, 2026. Over the course of two months, the event will explore the central theme: “Connecting Islands, Oceans, and the Future.”

Yeosu, one of South Korea’s premier tourist destinations known for its rich culinary culture, will host this groundbreaking exhibition — the world’s first international event focused entirely on islands. The concept has already generated considerable interest and anticipation worldwide.

Islands are often difficult to access, yet they hold exceptional value due to their biodiversity, cultural variety, strategic locations, and their increasing relevance in the face of climate change. These factors make them more important than ever on the global stage.

With less than two years to go, Expo 2026 will be structured around two main themes:

  • Part 1: The Unique Essence of Islands and the Aspirations of Yeosu Citizens
  • Part 2: Journeying Across Yeosu’s Waters: Connecting 11 Islands via Eleven Bridges

CJ CheilJedang Joins Forces with Jeollanam-do and Haenam for Sustainable Seaweed Farming

Posted by on in 2025, AllgemeinLeave a comment

CJ CheilJedang has entered into a strategic partnership with Jeollanam-do Province and Haenam City to develop a sustainable seaweed aquaculture project. This initiative is designed to increase seaweed production while prioritizing environmental sustainability. By incorporating eco-friendly cultivation techniques and leveraging advanced agricultural technologies, the project aims to enhance efficiency in seaweed farming while reducing its ecological footprint.

Additionally, the collaboration is expected to provide economic benefits to the local community by creating jobs and supporting regional businesses involved in the seaweed industry. By expanding the export of high-quality seaweed products, CJ CheilJedang hopes to strengthen South Korea’s position in the global market. This initiative aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and fostering regional economic growth through strategic cooperation.

Collaboration Between Wando and NASA to Promote Sustainable Seaweed Economy and Climate Action

Posted by on in 2024, AllgemeinLeave a comment

The coastal region of Wando in South Korea, the largest producer of seaweed such as nori, wakame, and kelp, is partnering with NASA to advance the role of seaweed in addressing the climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality. Wando accounts for 50% of the nation’s seaweed production and has gained international recognition for its sustainable cultivation methods, which require no freshwater or fertilizers.

The collaboration began in 2021 when NASA released satellite images of Wando’s aquaculture sites, highlighting the region’s ideal conditions for seaweed farming and attracting global attention. NASA also emphasized seaweed’s environmental benefits as a carbon sink. The cultural significance of seaweed in Korea, such as its use in postpartum recovery and as a traditional birthday dish, was also noted.

During an upcoming visit, Wando Mayor Shin Woo-cheol will meet with NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E to discuss the development of offshore aquaculture systems and the international certification of seaweed as a blue carbon resource. In 2022, Wando had already expressed gratitude to NASA for promoting Korean seaweed through their analysis and satellite imagery, proposing closer collaboration.

The planned projects aim to advance the marine bioindustry, establish seaweed as a globally recognized carbon-absorbing resource, and encourage sustainable methods in the international aquaculture sector. This partnership has the potential to position Wando as a global leader in sustainable seaweed production.

A view of the aquaculture farms in Wando, Jeollanam-do
Kelp produced in Wando, Jeollanam-do, is being transported to the port for shipment. Newsis.
Shin Woo-cheol, the mayor of Wando, Jeollanam-do, is presenting a plaque of appreciation to Meredith McKay, Deputy Director of NASA, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on November 6, 2023. Newsis.

South Jeolla Promotes 2025 International Agricultural Expo at Korea’s Largest Agri-Machinery Fair

Posted by on in 2024, Agriculture, AllgemeinLeave a comment

The South Jeolla International Agricultural Expo Foundation is promoting the 2025 International Agricultural Expo at Korea’s largest agri-machinery fair, the “Korea International Agri-Machinery Expo,” held in Daegu from October 30 to November 2. This large-scale event brings together the latest agricultural machinery and technology from 25 countries, with 429 companies exhibiting in 11 pavilions.

At the expo, South Jeolla’s representatives will conduct targeted marketing, engaging directly with companies and institutions to encourage participation in the 2025 event. They will also gather valuable feedback through interactive surveys with agricultural experts and industry professionals, which will inform the planning and execution of the 2025 Expo.

Kim Haeng-ran, CEO of the International Agricultural Expo Foundation, emphasized that the feedback collected will contribute significantly to the success of the 2025 Expo, scheduled to be held in October 2025 under the theme “Agricultural Innovation with AI: Nurturing Life with K-Agriculture” at the South Jeolla Agricultural Research Institute.

Quelle: https://www.jldnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=186918

Jeollanamdo Photo Exhibition and Kimbap Cooking Class in Tirol

Posted by on in 2024, Allgemein, Events, Jeollanamdo & Europe, TourismLeave a comment

The Jeollanamdo Photo Exhibition is now open in Innsbruck and Kitzbühel.

The exhibition runs for approximately four weeks at Artium Landhaus 2 in Innsbruck and the KCC in Kitzbühel. A formal opening ceremony was held in Innsbruck on September 6 to commemorate the launch.

On September 6 and 7, the Jeollanamdo Europe Office also hosted exclusive Kimbap cooking classes, offering participants a hands-on experience in preparing this traditional Korean dish. The cooking classes were led by Director, Dr. Peter Kim and marketing manager Tamara Wiedersum. They were well-received by attendees.

The event provided a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Jeollanamdo through photography, combined with an introduction to Korean cuisine.

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Naju City, Payback Event for Traditional Markets: 10% Refund for Purchases Over 50,000 KRW

Posted by on in 2024, AllgemeinLeave a comment

Naju City in Jeollanam-do is hosting a “Payback” event from September 11 to 15 to boost traditional market sales ahead of Chuseok. Customers who spend over 50,000 KRW at one of six traditional markets will receive 10% of their purchase amount back in Naju Love Gift Certificates. The event aligns with local market days and includes a maximum refund of 50,000 KRW per person for purchases exceeding 500,000 KRW. To qualify, customers must visit the market’s merchant association office within two hours of purchase with a valid ID and receipt.

Additionally, Naju Love Card users can combine existing benefits, including a 10% recharge discount and a 5% cashback offer, to receive up to 30% in total discounts during the event. Naju City has also temporarily raised the Naju Love Card’s purchase limit for September from 500,000 KRW to 700,000 KRW.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae hopes the event will encourage residents to enjoy festive shopping at traditional markets and help revitalize the local economy.

Read more here: https://www.viva100.com/main/view.php?key=20240903010001066

Jeonnam Food Export Association takes the lead in exporting local agricultural and marine products

Posted by on in 2024, Agriculture, AllgemeinLeave a comment

The Jeonnam Food Export Association promotes the competitiveness of regional agricultural and fishery products in the global market. An event sponsored by Jeollanam-do Province was held in Naju on July 12, with over 80 participants, including local officials and export companies, in attendance.

The programs included:

• Analysis of sales trends and successful products in the U.S.,

• Training on export customs procedures,

• Introduction to a food fair in China,

• Information on launching in the U.S. online market.

Trends in convenience and health, as well as success stories such as frozen kimbap, attracted particular interest.

Special consultations for export companies were also offered. Chairman Han Mun-chul stressed the need for successful export activities despite economic challenges. The province actively supports the development of export companies in the agricultural and fishery sectors.

https://www.jldnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=179074

Jeonnam Province Announces a “Low-Carbon, Regenerative Organic” Vision for the Future of Agriculture

Posted by on in 2024, Agriculture, AllgemeinLeave a comment

Jeollanam-do Province has announced a new vision for the future of eco-friendly agriculture, focusing on “low-carbon and regenerative organic farming.” This vision was presented on July 5 during an event at the Kim Dae-jung Auditorium, attended by approximately 900 eco-friendly farmers.

The new vision includes three main strategies:

1. Regenerative Organic Farming: This strategy goes beyond merely obtaining organic certifications. It aims to protect the soil and animals and improve the lives of farmers and all living beings. The goal is to revitalize the soil through increased organic matter, which helps sequester carbon, ultimately contributing to climate change mitigation.

2. Eco-Friendly Agriculture of the Future: This strategy involves diversifying the production of eco-friendly agricultural products and developing high-value organic foods using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), agritech, and smart farming. This approach aims to create an attractive environment for young future farmers.

3. Low-Carbon Agricultural Technologies: This involves reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and energy throughout the entire production process to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This strategy aims to reduce production costs and increase the competitiveness of Jeollanam-do’s agriculture in national and international markets.

The vision will be detailed in the “5th Six-Year Plan for the Promotion of Eco-Friendly Agriculture (2025-2030),” which is currently being developed. Governor Kim Young-rok emphasized that Jeollanam-do will continue to be promoted as a leading area in organic farming, extending its reach from Korea to the world.

https://jnilbo.com/74128116674

Yeongsan Hoesangdo and Palsangdo of Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon designated as a National Treasure

Posted by on in 2024, Allgemein, Tourism, World HeritageLeave a comment

The city of Suncheon held a celebration on June 27 at Songgwangsa Temple to commemorate the designation of the “Yeongsan Hoesangdo and Palsangdo of Songgwangsa” as a National Treasure. These significant Buddhist paintings were declared a Treasure in 2003 and, after more than twenty years, have now received National Treasure status, the first such designation since the establishment of the National Heritage Administration.

The ceremony took place in the Daeungbojeon Hall and the Sungbo Museum of the temple, attended by the National Heritage Administration, the temple’s devotees, and local residents. Choi Eung-cheon, the head of the National Heritage Administration, personally handed over the designation certificate to the temple.

The “Yeongsan Hoesangdo and Palsangdo” are important Buddhist paintings housed at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon. These paintings consist of two main parts:

1. Yeongsan Hoesangdo (영산회상도): This painting depicts Buddha preaching on Vulture Peak (Yeongsan). It symbolizes Buddha’s teachings and enlightenment.

2. Palsangdo (팔상도): These paintings comprise eight individual scenes depicting significant events from Buddha’s life, from his birth to his entry into Nirvana. They illustrate the key stages of Buddha’s life.

The paintings were created in 1725 by artists such as Uigyeom and are representative works of the late Joseon Dynasty. Originally made for worship in the Yeongsanjeon Hall of Songgwangsa Temple, they are now exhibited in the temple’s Sungbo Museum.

Choi Eung-cheon emphasized the importance of these works and announced that the National Heritage Administration, in collaboration with the city of Suncheon and Songgwangsa Temple, is committed to ensuring the systematic preservation and utilization of these cultural assets.

https://www.jldnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=177938

Korean Week in Dijon

Posted by on in 2024, Allgemein, EventsLeave a comment

From May 8th to 12th, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Europe Office participated in Korean Week, which took place in Dijon, France. This exceptional event attracted people from various regions and provided a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Korean culture. Visitors had the chance to purchase souvenirs, try on traditional Korean clothing, the Hanbok, and take photos in this beautiful attire.

A special highlight of the festival was the diverse workshops. Participants could learn how to prepare kimbap and kimchi themselves, paint traditional Korean masks, and, of course, a K-Pop cover dance workshop was a must.

The focus of the festival was on Korean food. The ingredients were sourced from Jeonnam-Gwangju, a region renowned for its high-quality produce. Outside of the workshops, visitors also had numerous opportunities to sample and purchase various Korean delicacies.

The Korean Festival in Dijon was a great success and offered visitors an impressive and unforgettable experience. It helped to bring Korea’s cultural and culinary treasures to a wider audience.

Jeollanamdo Tourism Event in Berlin

Posted by on in 2024, Allgemein, TourismLeave a comment

On April 25, 2024, a tourism event took place at the Maritim proArte Hotel in Berlin, co-organized by the Jeollanamdo Europe Office. The event was attended by Governor Kim Yung-Rok of the Jeollanamdo Province and his delegation.

The program commenced with a speech by Governor Kim Yung-Rok, introducing the province of Jeollanamdo. The magnificent aspects of the province were highlighted through a video presentation, showcasing its picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures. The director of the Jeollanamdo Europe Office, Dr. Ki-Cheol (Peter) Kim held a short presentation about Jeollanamdo and some interesting information concerning Jeollanamdo Tourism. EasyCookAsia, a partner of Jeollanamdo, that developed the Jeonnam Travel Food Box together with Jeollanamdo. The Jeollanam-do Global SNS Supporters also took part in the event and took part in a ceremony on stage. A small cultural program included traditional Korean songs as well as modern K-pop dances. Everything concluded with a shared dinner, providing guests with the opportunity to engage in conversations among themselves and with the Governor.

The tourism event was not only an opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of Jeollanamdo, but also a forum for intercultural exchange and cooperation.