The recent passage of the administrative integration special law in South Korea's National Assembly has initiated preparations for the establishment of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City, with its official launch scheduled for July 1. The local governments of Jeollanam-do and Gwangju Metropolitan City are set to form practical preparation teams to begin the organizational, personnel, and financial aspects of this integration. A special law mandates that an integrated head of the city must be elected during the upcoming nationwide local elections, which adds urgency to the foundational steps for the merger.

Critical among the preparations is the integration of administrative digital networks, which will ultimately support tax assessments, various support grants, and issuance of documents once the new city is operational. The enhancement of public documents, such as road signs and legal registers, is also a necessary task. However, due to the scale of changes required and associated costs, some tasks may extend beyond the July 1 deadline. Additionally, local legal regulations will need to be reviewed and updated to support the transition effectively.

Despite the ambitious integration process, local residents are not expected to experience significant disruptions, as both Gwangju and Jeonnam's administrative divisions will remain intact. Citizens can continue receiving mail and services at their current addresses. Furthermore, the public transportation fare system will remain unchanged for the time being, with operations continuing as per existing routes. City officials, including those from the integration planning teams, have assured that a detailed roadmap will soon follow the foundational work, aiming to ensure a smooth transition for all involved.