Chungcheongnam-do is laying the groundwork for regional development by expanding Yesan's agriculture-bio industry and stay-type tourism infrastructure, alongside upgrading transportation and daily living facilities.

On November 13, Governor Park Soo-hyun wrapped up the final leg of the first city-and-county tour of his popular 'Chungnam Tong(通)haeng' initiative in Yesan, where he shared the policy directions of the 9th popular elected administration and discussed regional development strategies with local residents.

Governor Park's itinerary began with a breakfast meeting with Yesan County Mayor Choi Jae-goo, followed by a press conference and a visit to the Yesan County Council to discuss local pending issues with the leadership.

He then held a town hall meeting with approximately 500 residents at the Yesan County Culture and Arts Center. The event was hosted by Kim Min-gyu, student council president of Yesan High School, with Governor Park entering to the song "Yesan Apple" by singer Maeng Tae-seop of the Unification Train.

During the meeting, Governor Park updated attendees on the progress of suggestions received during a town hall meeting last June, addressing local concerns while answering questions and listening to suggestions from residents.

To handle localized issues, the provincial government operated an on-site "Governor's Direct Petition Office," offering counseling and accepting grievances. The collected petitions will be reviewed by responsible departments, with their processing stages and outcomes systematically managed.

In the agriculture-bio sector, the province is currently consulting with relevant agencies regarding the industrial complex plan for the Naepo Agriculture-Bio Convergence Industry Cluster, which Yesan County applied for in April. The project aims for completion by 2030, following approval and land compensation procedures.

In tourism, the province is expanding stay-type tourism infrastructure centered around the Yedangho Good Rural Experience Center and the Deoksan Hot Springs Healing Village. Furthermore, detailed design work is underway for support facilities—such as visitor guidance centers and public pedestrian walkways—to establish a cultural complex on the former Chungnam Spinning Mill site.

Construction for the tentative Naepo Station on the Seohae Line double-track railway began in July of last year, with the opening targeted for the first half of 2028. To enhance railway accessibility between Naepo and the Seoul metropolitan area, the province plans to secure timely national funding for the Seohae Line-Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway connecting project, which is reflected in the 4th National Railway Network Construction Plan.

Additionally, the Chungnam Complex Innovation Center in Sapgyo-eup—a multi-purpose space featuring childcare, cultural, and youth facilities—is currently undergoing architectural design, with construction set to begin next year and an opening aimed for 2029.

Governor Park stated, "We will continuously monitor the progress of the opinions shared by our residents and collaborate closely with Yesan County to address key issues necessary for Yesan's development."

The conversation with residents was broadcast live on the provincial official YouTube channel, "Chungnam TV," receiving real-time comments and feedback from the public.

With the Yesan County visit, Governor Park successfully concluded his first tour of all 15 cities and counties for the 9th popular elected administration, which began last September.

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