Jeonbuk seeks 'life culture' for global life-economy city

Discussions have begun in Jeonbuk Province, South Korea, to weave the region's rich historical and cultural heritage into its provincial government's ambitious goal of becoming a 'global life-economy city.' The Jeonbuk Life Peace Forum launched its 'Talks in Jeonbuk Style' series on May 27th in Gimje, focusing on how the province's unique 'life philosophy and life culture' can define its distinctiveness.

The forum, a collaborative effort involving civil society, religious groups, and academia, aims to foster discussions on Jeonbuk's 'specialness' from a life and peace perspective. A key theme is ensuring that the province's unique spirit and culture serve as the bedrock for developing its life-economy and life-industry sectors. This approach moves beyond mere economic growth, advocating for a holistic transformation that integrates the region's culture and way of life.

Forum co-representative Kim Taek-cheon stressed that a global life-economy city must be a model where people, nature, and local communities thrive together. He called for connecting economy and environment, agriculture and culture, all through the lens of life. Do-beop Sunim further proposed integrating the province's unique life philosophy and culture into institutional frameworks, such as the ecological civilization ordinance and the comprehensive life-economy plan.

Presentations during the forum highlighted Jeonbuk's life philosophy and pathways for civilizational transition. Professor Jo Seong-hwan of Wonkwang University introduced the life philosophies of Donghak peasant revolution leader Jeon Bong-jun and spiritual leader Kang Jeungsan, as well as Won Buddhism, using examples like the Jangjeom village case to illuminate Jeonbuk's historical and cultural assets. Co-director of the Jeonbuk Life Peace Forum, Joosub, argued for the simultaneous establishment of life culture and ecological public forums, moving beyond a technology and industry-focused life economy.

Following this initial session, the Jeonbuk Life Peace Forum plans to hold 'Sounds of Life' events at five key locations across the province, including Gunsan's Suragae tidal flat, Namwon's Jirisan, Jangsu's forests, and Jeongseon's fields. The aim is to collect voices from residents, compile a comprehensive report, and pursue policy and institutionalization related to ecological civilization.

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A global life-economy city must be a model where people, nature, and local communities thrive together.