SEOCHEON — Chungnam Province is stepping up efforts to expand Seocheon’s marine bio industry foundation while strengthening the global competitiveness of its local seaweed (gim) sector and eco-tourism infrastructure.

Governor Park Soo-hyun held the 13th installment of the province's "Chungnam Tonghaeng" (Chungnam Communication Tour) in Seocheon on November 9. Drawing an audience of some 600 residents at the Seocheon Culture and Arts Center, the town hall meeting served as an open platform to listen to local grievances, share the provincial administration’s vision for the 9th popular election term, and discuss concrete strategies for Seocheon's regional growth.

During the event, Governor Park reviewed the progress of key recommendations gathered during a previous town hall meeting held last June and answered questions from residents. To ensure broad public participation, a temporary "Governor’s Direct Field Complaint Office" was also set up outside the venue to field daily grievances and suggestions from local citizens. The provincial government pledged to review all submitted proposals through relevant departments and systematically track their implementation.

Fostering Future Growth Engines and the Marine Bio Sector To build future growth drivers for Seocheon, the province plans to fully leverage the Marine Bio Industrialization Support Center in the Janghang National Industrial Complex. It will also push for the construction of a certification support center and a mass-production plant for biomaterials to help local enterprises accelerate technology development and commercialization.

Furthermore, Chungnam will continuously urge the central government and the National Assembly to establish the National Marine Bio Industry Promotion Institute, working closely with Seocheon County to respond to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' feasibility studies.

Strengthening the Global Competitiveness of Seocheon's 'Gim' (Seaweed) To reinforce the competitiveness of the local seaweed industry, the provincial government will support the production of superior-quality seaweed strains and the modernization of aquaculture equipment. To secure production stability, plans are underway to establish marine environment monitoring systems and a yellowing disease (Hwangbaekhwa) warning system.

In tandem, Chungnam will support the activation of the international dried-seaweed (gim) exchange, assist local producers in pioneering overseas export markets, and expand processing water supply facilities and water purification infrastructure.

Expanding Eco-Tourism and Infrastructure In the eco-tourism sector, the province is backing the restoration of the Janghang National Wetland and the construction of the Seocheon Tidal Flat Visitor Center. It will also formally request the designation of a national recreational park in alignment with upcoming feasibility studies and institutional frameworks.

Regarding the ecological restoration of the Geumgang Estuary, the province plans to analyze its impact on agricultural and industrial water supply as well as the local ecosystem in connection with government research projects, while maintaining sufficient consultations with neighboring local governments and residents. Meanwhile, provincial authorities will cooperate with relevant agencies to secure timely budgetary allocations for the Janghang Line improvement and double-track railway project.

"We will join forces with Seocheon County to ensure that the unique strengths of Seocheon—ranging from marine bio and seaweed industries to rich ecological resources—directly translate into quality jobs and vibrant local economic growth," Governor Park stated.

Governor Park is scheduled to continue the "Chungnam Tonghaeng" tour in Cheonan and Yesan on November 10 and 13, respectively. All town hall sessions are broadcast live via the official provincial YouTube channel, "Chungnam TV," allowing citizens to participate and share their opinions in real-time.

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