Chungcheongnam-do Governor Park Soo-hyun has once again reaffirmed his commitment to smoothly carrying out the relocation of the provincial Forest Resources Research Institute to Cheongyang County.

Prior to holding a dialogue with Cheongyang residents for the 9th popular election on the 7th, Governor Park visited the institute's temporary office set up at the former Hwaseong Middle School to inspect major facilities. Alongside Cheongyang County Mayor Kim Hong-yeol, he participated in a picket performance demonstrating their firm will to complete the relocation.

During the meeting, Governor Park and Mayor Kim reconfirmed their policy to proceed with the research institute's move to Cheongyang independently of the reopening of the Geumgang Arboretum, and agreed to cooperate closely to ensure a seamless transition.

Since its temporary relocation in July of last year, the Forest Resources Research Institute has been smoothly carrying out research and on-site support operations, including pine wilt disease diagnosis and tree hospital operations.

By the end of this year, the province plans to finalize a blueprint to foster the area around Goun Botanical Garden in Cheongyang—the future site of the research institute—into a specialized forest hub combining research, tourism, and recreation.

"We plan to wrap up the establishment of the basic plan for the research institute's relocation within this year, and proceed with a feasibility study and central government investment review starting in 2027," Governor Park stated. "We will closely monitor and oversee all subsequent administrative procedures to ensure nothing is overlooked."

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