Kim Jin-tae and Won Kang-su: "Building the Foundation for Wonju's Next 100 Years with Semiconductor Cluster Attraction and Western Medical Infrastructure Expansion"

All-Out Effort for Cluster Designation in Line with the Special Act on Semiconductors
Request for Full National Funding for Essential Infrastructure
Construction of Advanced Hospital and 24-Hour Pediatric Specialty Hospital in Corporate City
Eliminating Blind Spots in Pediatric Medical Care

People Power Party candidate for Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Kim Jin-tae and Wonju mayoral candidate Won Kang-su announced their second joint pledge, focusing on attracting the Wonju semiconductor cluster and expanding medical infrastructure in the western region, presenting a blueprint for the "100-Year Future of Wonju."

Kim Jin-tae, the People Power Party candidate for Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and Won Gang-su, candidate for Mayor of Wonju City, presented the second joint pledge focusing on attracting the Wonju semiconductor cluster and expanding medical infrastructure in the western region, outlining a '100-Year Future of Wonju' blueprint. Photo by Kim Jin-tae

On May 20, the two candidates held a press conference at Wonju City Hall, announcing plans to attract the Wonju semiconductor cluster in line with the enactment of the Special Act on Semiconductors, and to push forward the "Wonju Western Medical Completion Project" to address the medical service gap in the corporate city area.

The core of the pledge announced that day is to foster Wonju as a semiconductor hub outside the Seoul metropolitan area by leveraging the "Special Act on Enhancing and Supporting the Competitiveness of the Semiconductor Industry," which is scheduled to come into effect in August 2026. The two candidates emphasized that the government plans to specify "non-capital areas" as eligible regions for the designation of semiconductor clusters in the enforcement decree, making Wonju—where related infrastructure has been proactively developed—the optimal location.

Through their joint declaration, the two candidates highlighted that the "Special Act on Enhancing and Supporting the Competitiveness of the Semiconductor Industry," which passed the National Assembly plenary session in January, has created a historic opportunity for non-capital regions. They explained that, since the government intends to stipulate "non-capital areas" as a requirement for semiconductor cluster designation in the enforcement decree, Wonju—which has systematically built up semiconductor infrastructure—is the optimal candidate.

Wonju City has already secured 150 billion won in funding through four national projects and has established a foundation for training thousands of specialists annually with the groundbreaking of the Buron General Industrial Complex, as well as the establishment of the Korea Semiconductor Training Institute and the Nvidia Training Center. Kim Jin-tae and Won Kang-su stated that as soon as the enforcement decree is finalized, they will jointly apply for the semiconductor cluster designation and strongly urge the government to fully support the essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, and road construction, with national funding.

Furthermore, the two candidates announced plans to build a second hospital in Wonju Corporate City—which, despite having a population of about 33,000, has lacked advanced medical facilities—and to operate a 24-hour pediatric specialty hospital. The second hospital, to be developed in partnership with Wonju Yonsei University Medical Center, will be constructed with a total project cost of 55 billion won, featuring seven above-ground floors and one basement floor. Groundbreaking is scheduled for June 2026, with the aim of opening in March 2028.

In particular, after the hospital opens, Gangwon Province and Wonju City plan to jointly provide provincial and municipal funding to ensure the 24-hour pediatric hospital operates continuously. Through this, they aim to completely eliminate gaps in pediatric emergency care during nights and weekends and to make the entire western region of Wonju a "zero blind spot for pediatric medical care."

Kim Jin-tae stated, "With the passage of the Special Act on Semiconductors, the nationwide competition to attract cluster designations has intensified, so Gangwon Province and Wonju City will work together and push strongly for the cluster designation application."

Kim also emphasized that, "Four years ago, when we said we would develop the semiconductor industry in Gangwon, many were skeptical. But starting from scratch, we have already launched 12 projects totaling 30 billion won in the semiconductor sector, and they are operating steadily," highlighting that Gangwon boasts the best semiconductor infrastructure among non-capital areas.

Kim Jin-tae also criticized other local governments' aggressive efforts to attract the cluster and the silence of rival candidates, stating, "While Jeonnam and Jeonbuk are now actively joining the competition, Democratic Party candidates Woo Sang-ho and Koo Ja-yeol have not said a word about semiconductors."

He strongly urged, "If this is not a prelude to another case of funneling everything to the Honam region while ignoring Gangwon, then those candidates must clearly state their positions to the residents now."

Meanwhile, Kim Jin-tae and Won Kang-su previously announced their first joint pledge on April 29, continuing their united efforts for the development of Wonju. The first pledge included three key initiatives: the designation of the Wonju Advanced Medical Complex, the upgrade of Wonju Airport to international status, and the construction of the Gangwon Opera House. The two candidates reaffirmed their commitment that, as governor and mayor, they will work together to ensure the joint growth of Wonju and Gangwon.

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