“Focusing Intensity on Manufacturing AI Transition, Designation of Free Economic Zone, and Wide-Area Transportation Networks”

Chungnam Province is channeling administrative power into strengthening the competitiveness of Dangjin’s steel industry, supporting the artificial intelligence (AI) transition in manufacturing, expanding wide-area transportation networks, and boosting marine tourism to add vitality to the regional economy and enhance citizens' quality of life.

On the 8th, Governor Park Soo-hyun conducted ‘Chungnam Tong(通)haeng’ (Chungnam Communication Tour) in Dangjin, listening to the voices of citizens and local pending issues while sharing the direction of the 9th popularly elected provincial administration and a vision for Dangjin’s development.

This day's Chungnam Tonghaeng proceeded in the order of a mayoral meeting, a press conference, a visit to the city council, and a conversation with citizens.

Continuing its practice, the province also operated the "Governor's Direct On-site Civil Petition Office" to consult and accept citizens' daily inconveniences and suggestions, planning to systematically manage the processing procedures and results of the received petitions.

During the conversation with Dangjin citizens, Governor Park explained the implementation status of opinions received through the town hall meeting last June and answered questions and suggestions from citizens.

First, the province is putting great effort into responding to the crisis in Dangjin's core steel industry and securing future competitiveness.

Following the designation of the industrial crisis preemptive response region last June, financial, fiscal, and employment stability support will be pursued, and the province will actively respond to the government's industrial transition policies, such as the designation of a low-carbon steel special zone, through cooperation between Dangjin City, related organizations, and corporations.

The province is also concentrating on creating a smart green industrial complex.

By establishing a smart logistics and energy platform and an integrated control center, logistics and energy efficiency will be increased, and safety management foundations at industrial sites will be reinforced.

To achieve the AI transition in manufacturing, the Manufacturing AX Industry-Academia Innovation Park will support companies in solving on-site challenges and cultivating professional talent.

The province will also respond to government public contests related to building an AX demonstration complex and an AI convergence demonstration hub, which will back process optimization and quality management in the steel industry.

The foundation for attracting investment from domestic and foreign companies will also be expanded.

To secure the designation of the Chungnam Free Economic Zone, including the Songsan District in Dangjin, the province will respond to consultations and evaluations with related ministries and prepare investment attraction conditions linked with local industries.

Spurring the expansion of transportation networks that will support Dangjin’s industries and daily life is also underway.

To resolve chronic traffic congestion on the Seohae Bridge and secure an alternative route in the event of a disaster, the construction foundation for the 2nd Seohae Bridge will be prepared by concurrently pursuing private capital attraction and financial business promotion through reflection in national plans.

For the Dangjin–Asan section of the Dangjin–Cheonan Expressway, the province plans to supplement the logic for project necessity and feasibility in preparation for re-applying for a preliminary feasibility reinvestigation, while jointly responding with related organizations.

The National Route 32 Jeongmi-Songak Alternative Bypass Road, which has been reflected in the 6th National Road and National-Local Road Construction Plan, will be supported so that subsequent procedures such as basic and detailed design can proceed promptly, backing the alleviation of downtown traffic congestion and improvement of access to industrial complexes.

Efforts will also be gathered for the early establishment of the Korea Coast Guard Talent Development Institute, a specialized educational institution for incumbent coast guard personnel.

The Korea Coast Guard Talent Development Institute is planned to be established in the Hapdeok-eup area, and the province will cooperate with the Korea Coast Guard and Dangjin City to support passing the preliminary feasibility study and securing government budget.

Stay-type tourism foundations will also be expanded by utilizing Dangjin's islands and seas.

The marine tourism complex linking Dobido and Nanjido will be nurtured as a marine tourism hub equipped with tourism and resort facilities.

Reflecting residents' opinions, the province plans to prepare the foundation for project promotion by supporting administrative procedures related to the designation of a regional specialized development special zone.

To foster future fisheries, the province is pushing forward with the establishment of a smart aquaculture complex and smart aquaculture cluster worth a total of 60 billion won in the Seokmun reclaimed land area.

A green aquaculture foundation utilizing LNG cold-energy and cutting-edge technology will be prepared, and this will be connected to creating jobs for young fishermen and improving the competitiveness of the fisheries industry.

Governor Park stated, “We will strive to ensure that the growth of the region leads to good jobs and a better life for citizens by enhancing Dangjin’s industrial competitiveness and expanding transportation and marine tourism foundations.”

Governor Park will continue the Chungnam Tonghaeng tour in Boryeong on the 13th, Buyeo on the 15th, Seosan on the 19th, and Gyeryong on the 23rd, followed by Nonsan, Seocheon, Cheonan, and Yesan next month.

The 'Chungnam Tonghaeng Conversation with Citizens' is broadcast live through the provincial official YouTube channel, 'Chungnam TV,' allowing residents to participate in the conversation via real-time chat.

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