Handshake at Mungyeong Saejae: Gyeongbuk and Chungbuk Launch Central Inland Alliance

Lee Cheol-woo and Kim Young-hwan Sign Joint Agreement
Pushing Forward with Airport, Railway, and Tourism Belt Initiatives

Lee Cheol-woo, candidate for Gyeongbuk Governor from the People Power Party, and Kim Young-hwan, candidate for Chungbuk Governor, have joined forces for win-win cooperation to promote joint development of the central inland region and address the issue of local extinction.

Building a Joint Growth Axis in the Central Inland Areas of Gyeongbuk and Chungbuk, Shaking Hands at Mungyeong Saejae
[Photo by Hakhong Kim, Campaign Office of Mungyeong Mayor Candidate]

On May 19, the two candidates signed the "Central Inland Win-Win Development Joint Agreement" at Mungyeong Saejae in Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk, committing to jointly implement a national balanced development strategy to counteract the concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Before the signing ceremony, the two candidates walked together along Mungyeong Saejae, emphasizing both the symbolic and historical significance of unity in the central inland region.

Mungyeong Saejae, historically a key gateway connecting Yeongnam and the central region, is also the origin of the name "Yeongnam," which refers to the area south of Joryeong.

Candidate Lee Cheol-woo stated, "Mungyeong Saejae is not just a road but a historic passage linking Yeongnam and the central region," adding, "Today, as candidates from Chungbuk and Gyeongbuk walk this path together, we are declaring our intention to open this ancient inland route as a new path for growth."

He continued, "Currently, industry, railways, and even opportunities for young people are being concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, relying solely on the capital region cannot guarantee the sustainable development of Korea. The central inland, as the nation's core axis, must thrive for the entire country to achieve balanced growth."

Through the agreement, both parties committed to jointly pursue: 1) establishing an inland aviation economic belt by linking the new integrated Daegu-Gyeongbuk airport with Cheongju International Airport; 2) expanding major transportation networks such as the Central Inland Line and East-West Axis 5; 3) creating a tourism-based economic zone around the Baekdudaegan mountain range; and 4) strengthening cooperation in the agri-food industry and youth entrepreneurship. In addition, they agreed to work together on regulatory reforms and securing national funding in line with the intent of the "Central Inland Special Act."

After Lee Cheol-woo and Kim Young-hwan candidates signed a mutual cooperation agreement for balanced development through linking airports, railroads, and tourism, Kim Hak-hong, candidate for Mayor of Mungyeong, Im I-ja, People Power Party candidate for Sangju and Mungyeong National Assembly, and Park Young-seo, candidate for Provincial Council, are walking along the old Mungyeong Saejae trail.
[Photo by Kim Hak-hong, Candidate for Mayor of Mungyeong Office]

Candidate Kim Young-hwan remarked, "The partnership between Gyeongbuk and Chungbuk is more than simple regional cooperation; it is about creating a new model for balanced development in Korea. We will strengthen our collaboration to ensure the central inland region becomes a new growth axis for the nation."

In political circles, this agreement is being viewed as a symbolic example of a joint response in the central inland region, based on broad regional solidarity, amid the growing risk of local extinction and the deepening concentration in the capital area.

Candidate Lee Cheol-woo stated, "Politics is about creating pathways. We will open up blocked roads and reconnect divided regions to usher in a new future for the central inland."

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