"Like Boston in the US... Creating a High-Tech Cluster Combining Service Industries in the 2nd Daedeok Complex"

"16th 'Public Livelihood Discussion with the People'
Daejeon-Sejong-Cheongju CTX (Chungcheong Express Transit) Project Also Launched
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Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo is announcing the major policy plans related to the transportation sector reported at the "Public Livelihood Discussion with the People" held on the 25th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

The government plans to develop the Gyocheon district in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, into a second research complex focused on nanotechnology and semiconductors. The goal is to create an advanced cluster that organically combines research and development with service industries such as legal, financial, and accounting services, similar to the Boston Bio-Cluster in the United States.

On the 16th, President Yoon stated at the ‘Public Livelihood Discussion’ held at the Daejeon ICC Hotel, "We will rapidly develop the Daejeon 2nd Daedeok Research Complex and, together with the 1st complex, transform it into an advanced cluster that organically integrates research and development with service industries such as legal, financial, and accounting services, similar to the Boston Bio-Cluster in the United States."

The establishment of the 2nd research complex is a presidential campaign pledge. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) selected the site as the final candidate for a national industrial complex in March last year. Currently, related procedures such as feasibility studies for designation as a national industrial complex are underway. The government plans to designate and announce the national industrial complex in the first half of 2026 and then incorporate it into the research and development special zone.

A MOLIT official stated, "While the existing Daedeok Research Complex focuses on technology research and development, the 2nd research complex will be a space specialized for startups based on research and development outcomes," adding, "We will support resident companies within the complex with a package of research and development services that include legal services, innovative financial services, and even cultural aspects to ensure that research outcomes lead to commercialization."

Additionally, President Yoon said, "We will underground the Gyeongbu and Honam railway lines that hinder urban development in Daejeon, and swiftly initiate the feasibility study for the public-private partnership project of the ‘Daejeon-Sejong-Cheongju CTX (Chungcheong Regional Express Railway)’ to enable synergy between Sejong’s administrative functions and Cheongju’s bio and semiconductor industries, aiming to realize the project within my term."

At the end of this month, MOLIT will establish the ‘CTX Governance’ together with Daejeon City, Sejong City, and Chungcheong Province. In 2026, a preferred negotiation partner will be selected. In this regard, DL E&C plans to submit the first CTX proposal to MOLIT in April. Upon receipt of the proposal, MOLIT will request a private investment feasibility study from the Korea Development Institute (KDI). If private investment negotiations proceed smoothly, construction could begin in 2028 and the line could open in 2034.

Yoon Jin-hwan, Director of the Railway Bureau at MOLIT, stated, "Even if stations are installed at urban hubs, the plan is to operate the Daejeon-Sejong and Sejong-Cheongju non-urban sections at high speed to achieve an average speed of over 80 km/h."

Once CTX opens, travel times will be reduced to 15 minutes from the Government Complex Daejeon to the Government Complex Sejong, 53 minutes from the Government Complex Daejeon to Cheongju Airport, and 13 minutes from Osong Station to the Chungbuk Provincial Office. This will reduce travel times by up to 70% compared to existing public transportation such as buses.

Furthermore, MOLIT has stated it will consider Daejeon as a target area for the railway undergrounding project. Director Yoon evaluated, "Daejeon is a key railway hub where major lines such as the Gyeongbu and Honam lines pass through, and railways have been core infrastructure driving Daejeon’s development. However, the above-ground railways passing through the city center have caused urban division, limiting efficient space utilization and hindering urban vitality."

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