[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The presidential candidates of the People Power Party unveiled region-specific pledges, promising to revitalize the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam areas. Alongside new initiatives such as an undersea tunnel and a mega city, topics of local interest like the 'Gadeokdo New Airport' reemerged.
On the afternoon of the 18th, the candidates presented plans to boost the regional economy at the 'Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Joint Debate' held at Busan MBC in Suyeong-gu, Busan.
Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong announced plans to build a Korea-Japan undersea tunnel as a 'Hyperloop.' The Hyperloop is a transportation system that moves vehicles through vacuum tubes, aiming to connect Korea and Japan. Former Governor Won explained, "Through cooperation between Korea and Japan, investing in people and technology and expanding the market, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam will be linked with Seoul and Japan within a one-hour economic zone, overcoming unilateral dependence on China and growing into a central international city of the Indo-Pacific region connecting Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and India."
Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl pledged to transform Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam into a 'mega city.' He said, "The current regional gross domestic product of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam is about 376 trillion won, and our primary goal is to increase it to around 500 trillion won to rebirth it as a world-class mega city. We will firmly support this." He added, "By establishing a metropolitan transportation network to create a one-hour living zone in the region and developing a logistics platform linked with port, airport, and railway, we will develop it into Asia's logistics hub."
Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min emphasized the construction of the Gadeokdo New Airport project. He stated, "The Moon Jae-in administration has taken a very ambiguous stance on the long-term blueprint for the Gadeokdo New Airport and Gimhae New Airport." He continued, "Upon inauguration, I will immediately present a long-term integrated plan for Gadeokdo New Airport and Gimhae New Airport to listen to public opinion. If integration occurs, the site of Gimhae Airport will be developed into a key hub for new industries and jobs in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam."
People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo also mentioned the Gadeokdo New Airport construction project and pledged to create a high-tech industrial complex in the Gyeongnam region. Lawmaker Hong said, "First, I will make Gadeok New Airport a gateway airport and name it 'Kim Young-sam Airport.'" He explained, "I will establish a Planka electric line on all routes leading to the airport to ensure easy access to the airport."
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