iM Bank has moved to expand its business network in the Honam region by opening branches in Jeonju and Gwangju in quick succession.

iM Bank said it opened a "Jeonju branch" in Jeonju, North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, on Aug. 26 and then opened a "Gwangju branch" in Gwangju, South Jeolla Gwangju Integrated Special City, on Aug. 28.

The openings are part of a strategy to expand its nationwide business network. Ahead of its formal entry into the Jeolla region, iM Bank carried out local marketing, including running a coffee truck for residents and shopping districts and having branch staff visit nearby stores.

The Jeonju branch plans to provide financial consultations and related services for residents and small business owners, reflecting the area's concentration of administrative agencies. The Gwangju branch will expand business in Gwangju's old downtown area, targeting small business owners and the self-employed.

It also launched promotional products to mark the openings and is pushing guarantee support for local small businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises. The combined guarantee support for the two areas totals 18.75 billion won.

Kang Jung-hoon (강정훈), iM Bank's chief executive, said the openings would be an opportunity to broaden contact points with customers in the Honam region. He said the bank would expand its business base so it can grow together with customers in the Honam region.