Lee Jae-myung: "Transform Chungcheong into the Administrative and Scientific Capital of the Republic of Korea… Complete Relocation of the National Assembly and Presidential Office"

Lee Jae-myung, a candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential primary, announced his vision for policies in the Chungcheong region, stating, "I will make Chungcheong the administrative and scientific capital of the Republic of Korea."

On the 17th, through a post on his Facebook account, he stated, "Chungcheong is the heart of the Republic of Korea and the center of the nation," and pledged to "locate industries appropriate for the region and open a new future through bold investments."

"Sejong as the Administrative Capital, Daejeon as a Science City"… Customized Strategy for the Chungcheong Region

The candidate also specifically outlined the roles to be assigned to the four cities and provinces of the Chungcheong region. His plan is to specialize Sejong as the administrative capital, Daejeon as a global science city, North Chungcheong as a center for future industries, and South Chungcheong as an economic hub for the West Sea region.

He stated, "I will complete Sejong as the center of the administrative capital and promptly push for the second relocation of public institutions," adding, "I will construct the National Assembly's Sejong building and the Presidential Office in Sejong within my term and will promote the complete relocation of the National Assembly and the Presidential Office to Sejong through social consensus."

Furthermore, he emphasized that he would resume the relocation of public institutions to Daejeon and South Chungcheong Innovation Cities, which has been halted since 2019, and attract public institutions with substantial functions, considering regional competitiveness.

"Constructing an Advanced Industry Belt Connecting AI, Space, Bio, and Semiconductors"

The candidate also unveiled plans for nurturing advanced industry clusters centered in the Chungcheong region. He explained, "Daejeon will specialize in AI and space industries, Sejong in smart administration, North Chungcheong in bio, semiconductors, and secondary batteries, and South Chungcheong in the display industry, forming an organic advanced industry belt."

In addition, he disclosed investment plans for strengthening R&D infrastructure, training specialized personnel, and supporting the development of domestic technologies for core materials and components.

Regarding energy transition, he stated, "I will establish a special law to convert coal-fired power plant areas such as Boryeong, Taean, and Dangjin into centers for solar, wind, and green hydrogen," and added, "I will attract defense-related institutions to Nonsan and Gyeryong to develop into a smart defense industry."

"Enhancing Traffic and Tourism Infrastructure to Support Balanced Growth"

The candidate also proposed expanding tourism resources and transportation infrastructure in the Chungcheong region to support regional balanced development.

He said, "I will create a marine tourism belt in the Yellow Sea and a healing tourism belt in North Chungcheong through ecological restoration of the West Sea, establishment of the Garolim Bay marine garden, construction of maritime bridges and tourist road networks, and linking with the Baekdu-daegan exploration belt."

As transportation pledges, he presented plans for the expansion of Cheongju International Airport, early confirmation of cross-sectional roads in the central region, speed enhancement of the Chungbuk and Honam lines, commencement of the Chungcheong region express train (CTX), and promotion of the GTX extension in Cheonan and Asan.

He stressed, "Chungcheong is the center of the Republic of Korea and the key to national balanced development," asserting, "I will maximize Chungcheong's potential with a comprehensive strategy that integrates industry, administration, science, and transportation."

Image source: Lee Jae-myung, Presidential Candidate / News1, News1