Mayor Yook Donghan of Chuncheon Launches All-Out Effort at National Assembly to Secure Government Funding

Meeting with Song Kiheon, Heo Seongmu, Heo Young, Han Kiho, and Hwang Myungseon
Proposing National Funding for Soyang 8th Bridge, Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, and Bio Industry
Suggesting Medium- and Long-Term Policy Tasks Including R&D Special Zone Designation

Yook Donghan, Mayor of Chuncheon, visited the National Assembly on the 3rd to launch a comprehensive effort to secure additional government budget for 2026.

Yook Donghan, Mayor of Chuncheon, visited the National Assembly on the 3rd to meet with Representative Heo Young as part of efforts to secure additional government budget for 2026. Provided by Chuncheon City

On this day at the National Assembly, Mayor Yook met with Han Kiho, Song Kiheon, Heo Seongmu, who are members of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, as well as Representative Heo Young (Chief Deputy Floor Leader for Policy of the Democratic Party) and Representative Hwang Myungseon. He explained the progress of major projects for regional balanced development and the creation of an advanced industrial ecosystem, and requested support at the parliamentary level.

This visit was made ahead of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts' review of the 2026 government budget proposal, which begins on the 5th. The purpose was to defend the budget already reflected and to secure additional national funding for key projects.

Specifically, he proposed: 3.5 billion won for the design cost of the Soyang 8th Bridge construction; 1.5 billion won in support for the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships; 1 billion won for the consulting cost to establish a circular landfill facility in Chuncheon; 2.3 billion won for the construction of a digital lab-on-a-chip commercialization platform; and 4.2 billion won for the AI-based diabetes and nephropathy biomarker development project.

The Soyang 8th Bridge construction project is a key infrastructure initiative to connect the northern Gangwon region and promote balanced development in border areas. The 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships is an important event that will enhance Chuncheon's international status as a taekwondo-centered city. In addition, the digital lab-on-a-chip commercialization platform will serve as a foundational facility supporting the commercialization and quality enhancement of products by small and medium-sized bio companies.

Along with the budget proposals, Mayor Yook also suggested medium- and long-term policy tasks, including: designation of a research and development special zone and establishment of its headquarters in Chuncheon; legislative support for the retirement village development project; assistance in passing the preliminary feasibility study for the 6th National and Local Road Construction Plan; and cooperation for passing the preliminary feasibility study for the Chuncheon Station area development project.

During his meetings with lawmakers, Mayor Yook stated, "Chuncheon plays a central role in the national balanced development of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province," and added, "If this budget is secured, we will bring about changes that citizens can truly feel."

In response, Representative Heo Young said, "Chuncheon's plans for AI, advanced medical and bio industries, and its vision as an international taekwondo city are in line with the national balanced development strategy. I will do my best to help secure the necessary budget."

Representative Han Kiho also remarked, "Road and environmental infrastructure, including the Soyang 8th Bridge, form the foundation for development in the northern region. I will actively consult with the government during the parliamentary review process."

Meanwhile, the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts will begin the budget proposal hearing on the 5th of next month, followed by comprehensive policy inquiries, ministry-by-ministry reviews, and the Budget Adjustment Subcommittee, before finalizing the budget for next year in a plenary session.

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