Yoon: "Nuclear Power Is Directly Linked to People's Livelihood"... '2050 Roadmap' to Be Established This Year (Comprehensive)

The 14th Public Discussion Forum Held in Changwon, Gyeongnam
Supply of Nuclear Power Plant Work Worth 3.3 Trillion Won
Over 4 Trillion Won Investment in Nuclear Power Plant R&D Over 5 Years

President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized on the 22nd that "nuclear power is directly linked to people's livelihoods," mentioning the establishment of a 2050 mid- to long-term nuclear power roadmap, the enactment of a special law supporting the nuclear power industry, and an investment of more than 4 trillion won in nuclear power research and development (R&D) over five years.

In his closing remarks at the 14th People's Livelihood Discussion held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office in Changwon, Gyeongnam, President Yoon pledged to accelerate various support policies such as work orders, financing, and tax measures to make this year the first year of nuclear power's resurgence.

President Yoon particularly stated, "There have been concerns about what will happen to the nuclear power industry when the administration changes, but that will no longer be the case," emphasizing, "Our people have come to understand well that nuclear power is about people's livelihoods." Following his opening remarks, in his closing comments, he reiterated the importance of nuclear power by noting that advanced industries such as petrochemicals and semiconductors have been able to develop thanks to the inexpensive electricity generated by nuclear power.

Explaining the importance of the convergence of industry and culture, he also highlighted the Corporate Innovation Park being promoted centered on Geoje City. The intention was that culture is necessary for local development through attracting talent and businesses. President Yoon said, "Ulsan and Changwon, where the discussion was held yesterday, are the hearts of South Korea's economic development, but neither place has culture," adding, "Industries that are not fused with culture cannot develop."

He continued, "Until now, our industries have been focused on factories and facilities without culture or consideration for people," emphasizing, "Now, industrial complexes must become places where young people and experts want to go and live. We must completely change the framework."

He then said, "The naming of the Corporate Innovation Park was very well done. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should actively take on the role of integrating industry and culture, in addition to tourism development projects," urging. He also promised, "We have created the Corporate Innovation Park, but it won't work without railroads. Let's do that. We will promptly push forward the Southern Inland Railway."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier in his opening remarks, President Yoon said he would supply 3.3 trillion won worth of nuclear power work orders and 1 trillion won in special financing to make this year the first year of nuclear power's resurgence. He emphasized, "We will include facility investment and R&D for nuclear power manufacturing in tax support to back corporate investment activities," adding, "We will invest more than 4 trillion won in nuclear power R&D over the current administration's five years so that nuclear power companies, workers, and students majoring in nuclear engineering at universities can focus on their corporate activities and studies."

President Yoon also stated, "We will actively support investments exceeding 20 trillion won in regional strategic industries, including the creation of a 'Defense and Nuclear Fusion National Industrial Complex' by lifting the greenbelt in Changwon, where companies had no choice but to turn away due to lack of sites despite wanting to build factories."

In addition to the Technology Innovation Park, he announced plans to relax uniform use regulations and industry restrictions to transform the Changwon industrial complex, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, into a convergence space where culture and industry harmonize. He envisions remodeling the industrial complex into a youth-friendly area by fully promoting the 'Sanridan-gil Project,' which includes creating walkable streets and a youth complex cultural center throughout the industrial complex.

President Yoon further explained, "We will invest 3 trillion won over 10 years to promote the development of wide-area tourism connecting Gyeongnam, Busan, Ulsan, and Honam starting this year, developing the southern region into the future center of tourism."