‘Urban Convergence Zone’ or ‘Advanced Medical Complex’? Busan Gijang-gun Dismisses Political Bargaining as “Nonsense”

“Ministry of Health and Welfare Says No Plan for Advanced Medical Complex, Only Politicians' Claims”

‘Special Zone’ and ‘Complex’ Must Be Designated Through Fair and Transparent Procedures

Busan Gijang County Office.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Busan's Gijang-gun has reacted strongly to political claims that if Haeundae-gu Centum 2 District is conceded as a ‘Urban Convergence Special Zone,’ then the Southeast Industrial Complex in Gijang-gun will be promoted as an ‘Advanced Medical Complex Zone.’

Gijang-gun refuted such claims by a politician, stating that according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, there is currently no consideration for additional designation of an advanced medical complex, and that these are baseless political assertions.

Gijang-gun clearly stated that both the advanced medical complex and the urban convergence special zone are selected based on the fundamental principle of balanced national development, following strict standards and procedures, and are not matters to be bargained over by politicians.

Oh Gyu-seok, the head of Gijang-gun, emphasized, “Both the urban convergence special zone and the advanced medical complex projects are massive national projects involving enormous state budgets. It is a principle that they must be designated through fair and transparent evaluations based on policy and economic logic. Political deals must not intervene.”

The ‘Urban Convergence Special Zone’ is a project modeled after the ‘Pangyo 2nd Techno Valley,’ aiming to create special zones in the downtown areas of regional large cities equipped with excellent complex infrastructure including industry, housing, and culture.

Gijang-gun is pouring administrative efforts into attracting the special zone to the Southeast Radiation Medical and Science General Industrial Complex, which is being developed over an area of 1,478,772㎡ (approximately 450,000 pyeong) around Jangan-eup.

They are confident that they have all the locational conditions and infrastructure necessary for designation as an urban convergence special zone, including advanced industry, transportation, and culture.

County head Oh Gyu-seok stated, “The core of the urban convergence special zone is the leading project that must be implemented as soon as possible,” and expressed active intention to attract the project, saying, “Gijang-gun can immediately proceed with the ‘special zone’ project in the Southeast Industrial Complex on the 450,000-pyeong site, scheduled for completion at the end of this year, with an investment of 319.7 billion won from the county budget.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.