Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo Proposes 'Three Major Metropolitan Axes-Based Chungcheong Region Integrated Development Plan'

Seosan, Taean, Dangjin, and Naepo in South Chungcheong...
Industrial and Tourism Metropolitan Axis
Cheonan and Asan...
Seoul Metropolitan Area-Linked Manufacturing and Industrial Metropolitan Axis
Daejeon Area...
Research and Administrative Metropolitan Axis

Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon (Photo by Daejeon City)

Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon, has proposed a development plan for the Chungcheong region based on the so-called "three major metropolitan axes": the Seosan, Taean, Dangjin, and Naepo areas in South Chungcheong Province as an industrial and tourism metropolitan axis; Cheonan and Asan as a metropolitan axis for manufacturing and industry linked to the Seoul metropolitan area; and the Daejeon area as a research and administrative metropolitan axis.

On December 8, Mayor Lee Jangwoo emphasized the need for regional integration and unveiled a blueprint for the integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province, including the "Three Major Metropolitan Axes-Based Chungcheong Region Integrated Development Plan," "synergy through the integration of urban infrastructure facilities," and "expansion of research and medical industries."

During the weekly work meeting he presided over that day, Mayor Lee stated, "The single-pole structure centered on the Seoul metropolitan area is accelerating population decline and industrial hollowing-out in the provinces. Enhancing the competitiveness of metropolitan areas through integration, such as the unification of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province, is essential for the nation's future as a whole," stressing the necessity of such measures.

This statement was made in response to President Lee Jaemyung's remarks on December 5, during a town hall meeting with residents of South Chungcheong Province in Cheonan, where the President said, "From the perspective of someone responsible for governing Korea, I am considering whether it would be exemplary to integrate South Chungcheong Province and Daejeon. Global trends also point toward metropolitan integration," expressing a positive view on the unification of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province.

Mayor Lee added, "Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province are currently the most advanced regions in the country in terms of integration discussions, and the President has shown a strong will to prioritize the integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong. The Chungcheong region can become a key axis in expanding the Seoul metropolitan economic zone to a 150-kilometer radius."

Photo by Daejeon City

He also mentioned the potential synergy from integrating infrastructure such as water, electricity, and expressways.

Mayor Lee explained, "Currently, due to administrative boundaries, it is difficult to connect regions for projects such as urban railways, industrial belts, and tourism axes. However, with integration, large-scale metropolitan developments such as an urban railway network connecting Okcheon, Geumsan, and Gongju would become possible."

He also suggested the possibility of expanding metropolitan transportation networks, including the Daejeon-South Chungcheong circular expressway and the Daejeon-Taean high-speed railway traversing South Chungcheong Province.

He outlined the benefits of integrating living and industrial infrastructure as well.

By integrating Daejeon's water supply network, which currently offers the lowest tap water rates in the country, a reduction in water charges can be expected. In addition, South Chungcheong Province, with a power self-sufficiency rate of about 200%, could help resolve Daejeon's electricity shortage. Power self-sufficiency will be essential for future industries such as AI.

Housing issues could also be addressed with greater flexibility, moving beyond the constraints of Daejeon alone to a metropolitan-centered approach.

He further expressed his views on expanding research and medical industries.

Mayor Lee stated, "It will be possible to expand KAIST's research functions throughout the Chungcheong region. Universities and university hospitals located in Daejeon will also see their development base broadened under the Daejeon-South Chungcheong special city system."

For these reasons, Mayor Lee believes that political vested interests must be set aside and cooperation for integration is necessary. He maintains that sustainable urban development is needed to leave a great city for future generations.

Mayor Lee reaffirmed his commitment to integration, saying, "What is more important than individual political positions is boldly achieving the noble values required by the times for the development of the Chungcheong region where we live. There should be no opposition to integration for the sake of political vested interests, and I am ready to set aside my own privileges first."

He added, "The integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong is not simply an administrative boundary adjustment, but a centennial development strategy for the Chungcheong region. We will swiftly pursue the enactment of a special integration law, public discussions, and cooperation with South Chungcheong Province to create a new model for balanced national development in Korea."

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