South Korea's Navy has received the new 3,600-ton ROKS Gyeongbuk frigate after successful sea trials. The Ulsan-class vessel, equipped with advanced weaponry and radar, will replace aging warships and serve as a core fleet asset.
Gyeongbuk Province is emerging as a nuclear energy hub with 13 operating reactors and plans for 4 more, including 2 new large-scale reactors in Yeongdeok. The province hosts KHNP headquarters and a radioactive waste disposal site, aiming to leverage stable power for industries like steel and data centers, while advocating for differentiated electricity rates.
The Gyeongbuk Intellectual Property Center will support Yeongju Seonbigol Market and Seongju Market in developing joint brands using AI-based data analysis and design tools. This initiative aims to enhance the unique cultural and historical content of each market and support intellectual property applications.
Six players from the Daegu and Gyeongbuk region have been selected for the 2026 World Cup squad, raising hopes amid concerns about a lack of star players. The region has a history of producing national team members, but recent struggles and a decline in local support are noted.
The Gyeongbuk Office of Education has discovered 615 records of students believed to have participated in the Korean War, found during a comprehensive review of school enrollment records. Some records also include details of female students' wartime service.
Eight export-promising SMEs from Gyeongbuk Province have been selected for the '2026 Global Strong Company 1000+ Project' by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The selected companies will receive support until 2027, including access to overseas marketing services and preferential treatment in various government support programs.
Gyeongbuk Education Superintendent Lim Jong-sik, re-elected for a third term, outlined plans to bridge the 'AI gap' and enhance the 'mental health of the educational community' over the next four years, emphasizing the importance of humanistic education in the AI era.
Seven former Gyeongbuk Provincial Council members have won mayoral and county executive elections in the recent local elections. Notable victories include a former councilor defeating an incumbent and a rematch where a candidate avenged a previous loss.
Following the 6/3 local elections, 64 members have been confirmed for the 13th Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly. The People Power Party secured 58 seats, with the Democratic Party and independents each winning 3. Attention is now focused on who will be elected as the assembly's first-half chairman, with veteran members like Kim Hee-soo (5-term) and Bae Jin-seok, Choi Byung-joon, and Park Young-seo (4-term) considered frontrunners.
In Gyeongbuk, South Korea's 9th local elections saw the People Power Party win 18 mayoral seats. However, independent candidates secured 4 positions, and the Democratic Party showed competitive performance in Andong, suggesting a slight weakening of the 'PPP nomination equals victory' perception.
Lim Jong-sik, re-elected as Gyeongbuk Superintendent of Education for a third term, pledged to complete a warmer Gyeongbuk education that fosters students' dreams. He emphasized reducing the AI gap, focusing on students' mental health, and restoring teachers' rights.
Three former Gyeongbuk provincial administrative officials, Ahn Byung-yun (Yecheon County), Kim Hak-hong (Mungyeong City), and Kim Byung-sam (Yeongcheon City), have been elected as mayors and county chiefs in the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections. All three, who ran for the first time, emphasized their extensive administrative experience over political careers to address local issues.
Re-elected Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo prioritizes administrative integration with Daegu and the new airport as key tasks for his third term. He aims to foster advanced industries and create jobs, emphasizing collaboration with the new Daegu mayor.
Citizens flocked to polling stations in Daegu and Gyeongbuk early on the 3rd, the election day for the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections, to cast their votes. Many expressed a desire to contribute to local development and stable governance.
The Immigration Policy Research Institute and Gyeongbuk Province will hold the '2030 Gyeongbuk Province Immigration Policy Forum' on May 16th to review the province's immigration policy achievements and discuss future directions.
The Gyeongbuk Sericulture and Insect Business Center released 20 endangered Korean Silver-Washed Fritillary butterflies (10 males, 10 females) into their insect theme park in Sangju. This marks the first release since the center was designated a habitat outside the natural environment conservation institution by the Ministry of Environment in 2021.
Gyeongbuk Province announced on the 26th that it trained approximately 9,000 individuals in strategic industries through its 'Anchor' project last year, investing 30.7 billion KRW in universities for research equipment.
Gyeongbuk Agricultural Research & Extension Services, RIST, and Jecheol Industry have signed an MOU to develop underground smart farm technology. The project aims to build a plant factory 4 meters underground, maintaining a stable 15°C year-round to combat climate change and reduce energy costs.
Gyeongbuk Province has been selected for the 'Sodam Square' project, a digital commerce hub for small businesses. The province will build a facility with a live commerce studio and digital training center in Gumi, aiming to boost online sales for local products and small business goods.
Candidates for Gyeongbuk governor, Oh Jung-gi (Democratic Party) and Lee Chul-woo (People Power Party), have presented their top 10 pledges for regional development, focusing on areas like airport construction, regional integration, AI industry growth, and establishing a national medical school.
