Daejeon, South Korea – The Daejeon Metropolitan City has unveiled its comprehensive 2040 Urban Master Plan, outlining a vision for the city's future development over the next two decades. The plan, a legally mandated 20-year blueprint, provides a comprehensive overview of the city's spatial structure and various sectoral plans, including future population projections, land use, and infrastructure development.

The city has set a bold vision for Daejeon to become a "hub of opportunity and innovation, a science-based economic powerhouse." This vision aligns with the city's commitment to fostering a science-driven economy. The projected population for 2040 is set at 1.48 million, based on national population projections.

To achieve this vision, the plan establishes a three-core city structure centered around Yuseong, Dunsan, and Daejeon Station. Additionally, two specialized hubs—the Daejeon Research Complex and the International Science Business Belt—will be developed, along with four gateway hubs to enhance connectivity with neighboring regions.

The plan also divides the city into three living zones, considering various development projects and regional characteristics. These zones are: Daejeon Station Innovation City Zone, Dunsan City Center Zone, and Yuseong City Center Zone.

To ensure efficient land use, the plan allocates 97.62 square kilometers for existing development, 22.74 square kilometers for planned urbanization, and 419.34 square kilometers for conservation. Other sectoral plans cover transportation infrastructure, urban and residential environment, and more.

"The 2040 Daejeon Urban Master Plan marks a significant milestone in shaping the city's future," said a city official. "By outlining a clear strategy, we aim to realize our goal of becoming a world-class economic city and improve the quality of life for our citizens."

The detailed plan will be available to the public for review for 30 days, followed by the publication of a comprehensive report.