Jo Gyuil, Preliminary Candidate for Jinju Mayor, “Completing Jinju's Future with Innovation City, Station District, and Munsan New Town”

Announcement of Regional Development Pledges

Emphasis on Improving Residential Environment and Building a Space and Aviation Support City

Jo Gyuil, the independent preliminary candidate for mayor of Jinju City, announced his regional development pledges on May 7, presenting a large-scale urban development blueprint centered on improving the residential environment in the Innovation City, developing the Munsan New Town, and revitalizing the New Jinju Station District.

On the morning of the same day, Candidate Jo held a briefing at the Jinju City Hall briefing room on the campaign promises for the 9th term of the popular election. He stated, "By building a future-oriented city infrastructure in preparation for the space and aviation industries and the relocation of public institutions, we will simultaneously enhance the quality of life for citizens and strengthen regional competitiveness."

Regarding the improvement of living conditions in the Innovation City, he announced that the construction of the Innovation City Integrated Cultural Library, which is currently underway, will be completed by August, with library and swimming pool operations set to begin at the end of the year.

[Photo by Choi Soonkyung] Jo Gyu-il, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Jinju City, is giving a briefing on the 9th term elected mayor's pledge projects at the Jinju City Hall briefing room.

He also explained that the relocation and redevelopment project for Daegok High School will begin construction in the second half of this year, aiming for the school to open in March 2028.

In particular, Candidate Jo expressed strong opposition to the potential separation and relocation of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH). He emphasized, "LH is a core public institution for Innovation City," and argued that "separation and relocation could lead to the collapse of local commercial districts and a reduction of youth jobs." He added, "Together with the local civic community, we will make sure to prevent this."

In the field of education, he announced plans to introduce subject-focused schools and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. He explained that the city will support students' aptitudes and career paths through specialized education in mathematics, science, English, arts, and physical education, and provide scholarships from the Future Generation Talent Fund to outstanding students.

Plans for expanding transportation and living infrastructure were also released. He announced the construction of a parking tower with 470 spaces in the public parking lot area of Innovation City and said that additional public parking will be secured in consultation with Korea Expressway Corporation. The city will also promote the expansion of city bus routes, the extension of the Isungja Art Museum parking lot, and the installation of an accessible walkway along the Yeongcheon River.

Regarding the Munsan District urban development project, he announced the plan to start construction of a mini-new town accommodating 6,500 households in 2028 and to complete it by 2032. Candidate Jo stated, "Munsan New Town will serve as a supporting city for the second relocation of public institutions from the Seoul metropolitan area and for the fostering of the space and aviation industries."

He also said that the redevelopment of aging residential areas in the existing urban district of Munsan-eup will be promoted through national government funding competitions, ensuring that both the new town and the original downtown can grow together.

In the New Jinju Station District, plans were presented for the development of a hinterland complex in preparation for the completion of the West Gyeongnam KTX line. Candidate Jo announced a plan to promote an urban development project worth about 30 billion won in the southeastern area around the KTX station, including apartment complexes, knowledge industry facilities, and logistics facilities.

He also unveiled plans for the joint Jinju-Sacheon Convention Center, the creation of a multi-purpose cultural and sports complex, additional parking facilities, and the construction of youth-specialized housing.

Additionally, he presented an educational pledge to transition Jinju Information High School into a co-educational general high school to reduce the inconvenience of long-distance commuting for students.

Candidate Jo stated, "The regional development pledges are not merely about development, but are strategies to improve citizens' quality of life and secure future growth engines," adding, "I will responsibly promote these strategies so that Jinju can advance as the central city of western Gyeongnam."

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