Kim Young-hwan, the governor of North Chungcheong Province, announced on the 30th of last month the achievements of the 3rd year of the 8th civil service term, as well as 10 key projects to be prioritized in the upcoming 4th year.
During a press conference, Governor Kim noted, "Based on past achievements, we will realize the recovery of the local economy and stabilization of people's livelihoods through continuous innovation and implementation over the remaining year."
Governor Kim specifically explained the achievements North Chungcheong has made over the past three years. The most significant achievement was lifting the agricultural promotion area of 3,850,000 square meters (about 1,164,625 pyeong) within the Osong 3rd national industrial complex. This accounts for 23% of the area of agricultural land released nationwide for industrial complex development in the past decade, making it the overwhelming leader among single releases.
Many corporations have expressed intentions to invest in North Chungcheong, but a drawback was the lack of land for building facilities, such as factories, due to agricultural land regulations. However, the lifting of these regulations now allows for various investments, including from corporations and schools. Governor Kim plans to accelerate the development of the K-Bio Square project to foster the bio industry.
In the economic sector, the 8th civil service term's investment attraction target of 60 trillion won has been achieved ahead of schedule. Additionally, the egg freezing support project, the first of its kind in the country, has garnered attention as an innovative policy to address the low birth rate issue. As a result, North Chungcheong's total fertility rate has risen to 0.99, ranking 3rd in the nation, while the birth rate increase has reached 9.2%, placing it 4th nationwide.
Through customized job policies, the employment rate reached 74.1%, achieving the 2nd best performance in the country.
In the environmental and tourism sectors, North Chungcheong has achieved significant results. Infrastructure for tourism has been expanded, including the installation of cafes and a monorail at Cheongnamdae, while the Cheongju International Airport has recorded 4.58 million passengers annually, marking an important turning point. Legislation is also in progress for the establishment of a private runway.
In the cultural sector, various cultural facilities have been expanded, such as the founding of the North Chungcheong Provincial Symphony Orchestra and the Provincial Theater, as well as the opening of the North Chungcheong Gallery. The 'Cultural Sea Grand Project' was promoted by setting up a picture book library in the main government building.
North Chungcheong has also stood out in the tourism sector. The number of passengers at Cheongju International Airport has reached a record high, and a new tourism model has been introduced that combines Cheongnamdae with various tourist destinations. The initiation of special legislation for a private runway is underway, further elevating the status of Cheongju Airport.
Governor Kim presented a concrete vision for the key projects to be prioritized in the upcoming 4th year.
North Chungcheong Province plans to establish special legislation for the construction of a private runway at Cheongju International Airport and reflect it in the 7th comprehensive airport development plan. This aims to elevate Cheongju International Airport as a pivotal airport in the central region.
Additionally, K-Bio Square plans to further enhance global competitiveness by pursuing exemption from preliminary feasibility studies for the KAIST Osong Biomedical Campus Town. Transportation infrastructure will be expanded by fully opening the entire section of the inland central expressway and promoting the Cheongju Airport-Kimcheon railway project, laying the foundation for the inland central era.
Cheongnamdae is set to develop into a complex tourist destination that harmonizes tourism, education, environment, and MICE. Through regulatory improvements such as the installation of pedestrian bridges and the expansion of restaurants, Cheongnamdae will be transformed into a more attractive tourist site. Moreover, a mixed cultural space for culture and sports will be created to enhance the quality of life for the residents.
To enrich tourism resources, North Chungcheong will promote the recycling of idle facilities through upcycling, transforming unused facilities such as the Boeun Soguri Mountain tourism special zone and the Jecheon old Cheongpung Bridge 'Bridge Garden' into new tourist attractions. The goal is to usher in the era of 50 million tourists visiting North Chungcheong.
Governor Kim stated, "The key projects to be prioritized in this 4th year are important strategies that will determine the future of North Chungcheong," adding, "We will concentrate all of the government's capabilities to create practical achievements in partnership with the residents."