CHEONAN — The Chungnam Provincial Government is doubling down on its efforts to foster high-tech industries, expand metropolitan transportation networks, and secure the establishment of the National Dental Research Institute in Cheonan.

Governor Park Soo-hyun visited Cheonan on the 10th for the 14th leg of the province’s "Chungnam-tong (Communication) Tour," meeting directly with local residents to share the 9th popularly elected administration's regional development vision.

The busy schedule kicked off with a breakfast meeting with Cheonan Mayor Jang Ki-soo, followed by briefings with local media outlets and discussions with the leadership of the city council. Later, Governor Park held an open town hall meeting at the Cheonan City Hall Bongseo Hall, drawing an audience of approximately 800 citizens. During the event, the governor reviewed the progress of public recommendations gathered during a previous town hall in June and addressed live questions and concerns from residents.

Strengthening Advanced Industries and AI Infrastructure

To build a robust industrial foundation, the provincial government plans to reinforce the back-end semiconductor supply chain. Focusing on seven industrial complexes across Cheonan and Asan—which were designated as specialized complexes for semiconductor packaging, components, and equipment last September—the province will actively support corporate technological innovation and testing facilities.

For the former Seonghwan livestock research station site, recently selected as a candidate for a new national industrial complex, the province is preparing to apply for a preliminary feasibility study and collaborating with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to plan complex development and attract businesses. In addition, Chungnam and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport are formulating a master plan for the Cheonan-Asan AI-specialized pilot city to integrate practical AI services into daily citizen life.

Expanding Transportation and Healthcare Infrastructure

In healthcare development, Cheonan and the province are preparing a comprehensive bid for the National Dental Research Institute. Backed by the educational and clinical infrastructure of Dankook University's College of Dentistry and Dental Hospital, officials are compiling application data centered around a designated site near the KTX Cheonan-Asan Station.

To alleviate commuter gridlock, the province is jointly pushing for the extension of the GTX-C metropolitan express railway line to Cheonan and Asan, while advocating for the inclusion of the Jungbu-range East-West Transverse Railway in the 5th National Railway Network Plan. The GTX-C extension is being promoted as a national fiscal project.

Meanwhile, construction on the Cheonan Station remodeling and expansion project—which broke ground in April of last year—is gaining momentum with a target completion date of May 2028. Furthermore, preparations are underway to accept bids from private developers for the KTX Cheonan-Asan Station Metropolitan Complex Transfer Center, which will expand parking and facilities for buses and taxis.

"We will join forces with Cheonan City to ensure that Cheonan's industrial foundation translates into sustainable corporate growth and jobs, and that citizens can truly feel the improvements in their daily commutes and transit experiences," Governor Park stated.

Governor Park will conclude the "Chungnam-tong" tour on the 13th in Yesan County. The town hall session in Yesan will be broadcast live via the official provincial YouTube channel, "Chungnam TV," allowing real-time online engagement.

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