Governor Kim Tae-heum: "Will Create a Chungnam-Style Silicon Valley"

by Lee Byungryeol

Published 21 Jan.2025 16:04(KST)

Updated 29 Jul.2025 17:24(KST)

At a Luncheon Meeting, Kim Taeheum Expresses Confidence in Chungnam's Momentum for a New Era After US Business Trip

Kim Taeheum Chungnam Governor

Kim Taeheum, the governor of Chungnam Province who recently returned from a sales mission to the United States, held a luncheon meeting with provincial government reporters on the 20th and stated, "I have gained confidence in Chungnam's momentum for a new era."

Previously, Governor Kim went on a six-night, eight-day business trip starting on the 8th, visiting the US CES, Silicon Valley, attracting overseas Koreans, and opening the US office.

Governor Kim said, "Key issues for Korea include the development of Seoul as an international city, the relocation of public institutions to regional areas, and the transfer of authority from the central government," adding, "Even amid a turbulent political climate, we must do what needs to be done."

Regarding the investment agreement with Hal H. Reed, president of Corning Precision Materials, Kim stated, "Since Corning's board of directors has yet to make a final decision, I cannot disclose specific amounts, but the results are satisfactory."

In September 2023, Corning held a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of its investment in Korea at the Corning Precision Materials 2nd Complex in Tangjeong, Asan, attended by Governor Kim, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jaeyong, and Corning Chairman Wendell Weeks. The company announced plans to continue investing in advanced materials development and manufacturing capabilities over the next five years, starting in 2023.

Regarding the construction of a retirement village in Hongseong and Yesan, he said, "We will prepare based on an initial scale of 500 households," and added, "So-called 'reverse homecoming' by overseas Koreans is on the rise. Chungnam is well-suited in various areas such as transportation and healthcare."

He continued, "Korea's medical welfare is the best in the world. The highest cost for the elderly overseas is healthcare," and explained, "We are in contact with the nation's Big 5 hospitals and are working on the construction of Naepo General Hospital, with a design budget of 3 billion won allocated this year."

Regarding the 'CES 2025 Chungnam Pavilion' at the Venice Expo in Las Vegas, he said, "We cannot ignore the Chinese market when it comes to the AI industry," and added, "Korean youth are leading in venture and startup sectors such as home appliances and IT. We must continue to discover and support these areas."

He also mentioned the case of autonomous vehicles in Silicon Valley, saying, "We plan to conduct a pilot project in Naepo first," and added, "We will prepare for a new era going forward."

Governor Kim emphasized, "The relocation of public institutions to regional areas is a matter of time, but it will happen," and added, "Along with the relocation, we must create a Chungnam-style Silicon Valley and transform Seoul into an international city."