GYERYONG — Chungnam Province is ramping up its efforts to leverage Gyeryong’s unique strengths as a defense hub by attracting key defense institutions, while simultaneously expanding the region’s industrial base and metropolitan transportation network.

Governor Park Soo-hyun visited Gyeryong on October 23 for the 11th installment of the "Chungnam-Tong (Communication)" initiative. The tour served as a platform to listen to local residents, discuss regional issues, and share the provincial government's policy directions and development blueprint for Gyeryong under the 9th popular elected administration.

The day's itinerary began with a breakfast meeting with Gyeryong Mayor Lee Eung-woo, followed by a press briefing, a visit to the city council, and a town hall meeting with local residents.

During the dialogue with citizens held at the Gyeryong Culture and Arts Center, Governor Park provided updates on action items collected during the town hall meeting last June, addressed questions and suggestions from residents, and discussed sustainable development strategies for the city.

Outside the venue, the province operated an "On-Site Direct Petition Office," allowing citizens to consult on everyday inconveniences or submit proposals, ensuring that those who could not speak during the main session could still make their voices heard. The province plans to have responsible departments systematically review all submitted opinions, manage their processing outcomes, and reflect viable ideas in provincial administration.

Strengthening Defense and Industrial Foundations

To foster sustainable growth in Gyeryong—home to the headquarters of the Republic of Korea Army, Navy, and Air Force—the province is strengthening its initiative to attract defense-related public institutions.

Based on customized attraction strategies that factor in each institution’s functions and regional conditions, the province will continuously urge the central government and the National Assembly to relocate defense-related public bodies to Chungnam during the second wave of public institution relocations, working in close coordination with Gyeryong City.

Efforts are also underway to expand the industrial infrastructure to accommodate defense-related businesses and research facilities.

Knowledge Industry Center: Basic and detailed design for a public rental-type knowledge industry center within the Gyeryong No. 2 Industrial Complex commenced in August, with completion targeted for the second half of 2029.
Gyeryong No. 3 General Industrial Complex: Following its designation in August, the province will provide administrative support and cooperate in corporate recruitment in accordance with subsequent procedures, such as complex planning and approval.

Expanding the Metropolitan Transportation Network

Governor Park emphasized that the province is accelerating the expansion of its metropolitan transportation network to support daily life and local industries:

Chungnam East-West Expressway: Connecting Boryeong, Gyeryong, and Daejeon, the province will coordinate with relevant local governments and organizations to secure its reflection in the national transportation plan.
Chungnam-Gwon Metropolitan Railway (Phase 3): Connecting Ganggyeong and Gyeryong, the province will consult to ensure subsequent procedures proceed in sync with the predecessor Honam Line high-speed project, while requesting the establishment of Sindo Station during the preliminary feasibility study.
Duma-Noseong Provincial Road Expansion: Connecting Duma-myeon in Gyeryong and Noseong-myeon in Nonsan, this project aims for completion by 2030 to improve travel convenience and accessibility to KTX Gongju Station.

Supporting the 2029 Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo

Furthermore, the province plans to provide full support for the Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo, which the city aims to host in 2029, helping it secure official approval as an international event.

The province will review and supplement plans alongside Gyeryong City, preparing differentiated contents and business concepts compared to the 2022 expo to effectively navigate review and deliberation by relevant ministries.

"We will work hand-in-hand with Gyeryong City so that the city's identity as a defense hub translates into corporate investment, job creation, and economic vitality, and so that citizens can tangibly experience improvements in daily transportation conditions," Governor Park stated.

Governor Park plans to continue the "Chungnam-Tong" tour next month in Nonsan, Seocheon, Cheonan, and Yesan.

The dialogue sessions with residents are broadcast live via the provincial government's official YouTube channel, "Chungnam TV," allowing residents unable to attend in person to share their opinions and local concerns via real-time comments.

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