Seosan Mayor Lee Wan-seop acknowledged that it is realistically difficult to open the long-awaited Seosan Airport by 2028, but expressed his firm determination to carry out the project.

During a press conference marking his 100th day in office under the 9th popular election term held at the city hall assembly hall on the morning of the 8th, Mayor Lee was asked about the airport's opening schedule and stated, "Opening by 2028 is practically difficult. However, we have a firm goal that the Seosan civilian airport must be launched, and I believe it will certainly happen."

Following its failure in the 2023 preliminary feasibility study, the Seosan Airport project was re-pursued with a reduced budget of 48.4 billion won, and has been undergoing procedures to establish a master plan with the target opening year set for 2028.

However, a new variable arose as the project cost increased during the master plan formulation process. Last August, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport requested a feasibility re-investigation due to the rising project costs, making a disruption to the initial opening schedule inevitable.

Despite these circumstances, Mayor Lee repeatedly emphasized his commitment to pushing the project forward.

In particular, he expressed expectations given that a bill to raise the preliminary feasibility study target project cost threshold from the current 50 billion won to 100 billion won has been submitted to the National Assembly, with a consensus already formed between the ruling and opposition parties.

"Seosan Airport is essential from a national perspective as well," Mayor Lee strongly asserted. "I believe it will definitely happen, and we must make it happen."

Next, as a measure to overcome the crisis in the petrochemical industry, Mayor Lee proposed designating the Daesan Petrochemical Complex as a national industrial complex.

The proposal involves expanding and designating the existing industrial complex—which spans approximately 1.94 million pyeong—into a national industrial complex totaling 3.35 million pyeong, including surrounding areas.

Mayor Lee urged active government-level responses, stating that the national industrial complex designation is a core support measure to overcome the crisis facing the regional petrochemical industry.

Focusing on livelihood-friendly administration in the 9th term... pushing forward with 100 major pledges

Prior to this, marking his 100th days in office for the 9th term, Mayor Lee unveiled his vision to focus on a "livelihood-friendly administration" so that citizens can experience practical changes in their daily lives.

As a four-term mayor who led Seosan's municipal administration through the 8th term—where he focused on laying long-term growth foundations such as airports, railways, and roads—his policy for the 9th term is to raise the completion rate of existing projects while focusing on policies that allow citizens to feel daily changes.

To achieve this, the city plans to pursue 100 major pledges, including 60 election pledges, 37 promises presented via social media, and 3 pledges from rival candidates.

Key projects highlighted include expanding senior center meal services to 5 days a week, creating four-season indoor playgrounds, and providing housing support for young adults.

Along with these, he cited major achievements such as the expansion of Seosan Tidal Flats onto the UNESCO World Heritage natural list, the resumption of international cruise ship calls, and attracting approximately 300 billion won in investments from 5 companies.

He also emphasized that ongoing pending projects, including the creation of the Green Square, will be carried out without a hitch.

Finally, Mayor Lee pledged, "We will strive harder to resolve the inconveniences citizens experience in their daily lives. We will make this 9th popular election term one that continues to listen carefully to the wishes of residents and fulfills them one by one."

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]