18년 만에 제3금융중심지 탄생할까…‘전북 개발계획’ 평가 본격화

After 18 years, there is speculation that a third financial hub could emerge in the southern region of the country. Previously, there were concerns regarding whether the third financial hub should follow after Seoul and Busan, as the special city of Jeollabuk-do had been put on hold in 2019 due to insufficiently fleshed-out management and lifestyle infrastructure, as well as a lack of a region-specific model.

On July 19, the 53rd Financial Hub Promotion Committee convened to review and discuss the 'Jeollabuk-do Financial Hub Designation Evaluation Method'. This assessment was based on the 'Jeollabuk-do Financial Hub Development Plan' submitted by the Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province in January. The plan outlined a strategy to establish three specialized financial districts - asset management, agriculture, insurance, and climate energy - in a 3.59 square kilometer area in the Jeonju Innovation City and Maksing district.

A 12-member panel, consisting of economic, financial, and legal experts, will conduct a performance evaluation and field investigation in the second half of the year. The Promotion Committee will then decide on the designation within the same year. The Financial Hub system, introduced in 2008, aims to consolidate financial institutions and related industries in one region, thereby enhancing competitiveness and establishing the area as a global financial center.

Upon designation, the area would become eligible for foreign financial institution investments, talent cultivation, and policy support measures under the Financial Basic Plan. For companies operating outside the metropolitan area, establishing financial or insurance business locations with specific investment and employment requirements would result in a 100% tax exemption for the first three years, followed by a 50% exemption for the subsequent two years.

It is expected that the presence of major financial conglomerates in Jeollabuk-do, such as Shinhan, KB, and KEB, contributed to the favorable environment for this potential designation. These companies have actively invested in infrastructure development, with Shinhan establishing a 'Shinhan Financial Hub Jeonju Innovation City' and KB expanding its Jeonju workforce from 130 to 300 employees.