- "We will do our utmost to attract public institutions, build a national industrial complex, expand medical infrastructure, and restore Hongjuseong Fortress" -

Chungcheongnam-do is concentrating its administrative capabilities on fostering the growth of Hongseong-gun and improving the quality of life for its residents, steering the region into the era of the Chungnam Innovation City (Naepo New Town).

The provincial government’s blueprint focuses on expanding the functions of the Chungnam Innovation City by responding to the second wave of public institution relocations from the Seoul metropolitan area, establishing a national industrial complex and medical foundation, and developing local assets such as Hongjuseong Fortress into premier tourist attractions.

On October 6, Governor Park Su-hyun carried out the fourth leg of his "Chungnam-Tonghaeng" (Chungnam Communication Tour), which included a meeting with Hongseong County Mayor Park Jung-joo at the Hongseong-gun Office, a press conference, a visit to the County Council, and a conversation with local residents.

Demonstrating strong communication, the province operated an on-site "Direct Petition Office by the Governor" during the visit to consult on and receive residents' daily grievances and complaints, managing the follow-up process and outcomes systematically to great acclaim.

The "Conversation with Hongseong Residents," held at the Hongseong Culture and Arts Center with approximately 600 attendees, took the form of a talk show where Governor Park and broadcaster Lee Sang-byeok discussed the future development directions and major pending issues of Hongseong-gun.

At the event, Governor Park explained the implementation directions for key projects and spent time communicating closely with the residents.

Expanding Innovation City Functions and Industrial Infrastructure
First, the province will expand the functions of the Chungnam Innovation City to respond to the secondary relocation of public institutions from the capital region.

Efforts will focus on attracting institutions that align with Chungnam's industries and regional characteristics—spanning climate, energy, and environment, economy and industry, national defense, and culture and tourism. The province will also continuously petition the government to reflect Chungnam's conditions, having been excluded from the first wave of public institution relocations, to secure priority placement of public institutions.

The Naepo Future New Industry National Industrial Complex will be established as a growth foundation to foster hydrogen, future mobility, and carbon-neutral industries.

The province plans to respond to preliminary feasibility studies necessitated by adjustments to project plans, and promptly push forward subsequent procedures such as establishing industrial complex plans and land compensation following study approval.

Strengthening Medical and Transportation Networks
The province is also pouring efforts into improving medical conditions in Naepo New Town and the southwestern region of Chungnam.

Broke ground last April, the Naepo Children's Hospital is being built with 42 beds, including a pediatric emergency room, to ensure a seamless opening in 2028. Administrative procedures and basic planning are also underway to establish a 300-bed general hospital dedicated to critical and emergency care.

Transportation networks connecting Hongseong to other regions will be expanded as well.

The province is making all-out efforts to include the Chungcheong Inland Railway—connecting Taean through Seosan Airport, the Chungnam Innovation City, Cheongyang, and Sejong to Daejeon—in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan.

For the Janghang Line double-track electrification project, cooperation with related agencies and the securing of government budgets will be strengthened to ensure remaining tasks, such as the Hongseong-Jupo section and Gwangcheon Station, proceed without a hitch.

Fostering Historical and Ecological Tourism
Tourism infrastructure utilizing Hongseong's history and nature will also be broadened.

Through excavation surveys and historical verification, Hongjuseong Fortress will be restored and maintained in phases—including the Hongjumok government office and fortress walls—to create a historical and cultural space where experiential education and arts activities harmonize.

In the Yongbongsan Mountain area, forest experience facilities, observation decks, and walking trails will be expanded in stages to foster it as a stay-over forest tourism hub linked with Naepo New Town, thereby increasing visitors and injecting vitality into the local economy.

In addition, to strengthen the competitiveness of the fishery industry, the province plans to expand laver (nori) production infrastructure, respond to white-rot disease, establish a measuring network and forecasting system to monitor laver cultivation environments, and support the improvement of dried laver quality and trading systems while expanding export markets.

Governor Park stated, "We will consolidate industrial, medical, and transportation foundations centered around the Chungnam Innovation City, and join forces with our residents to ensure Hongseong's history and nature translate into regional vitality."

Following Hongseong, Governor Park is scheduled to continue his "Chungnam-Tonghaeng" tour in Cheongyang on the 7th, Dangjin on the 8th, and Boryeong on the 13th.

The "Chungnam-Tonghaeng" conversations with residents are broadcast live via the provincial government's official YouTube channel, "Chungnam TV," allowing residents to participate through real-time YouTube live chats.

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