Governor Kim Tae-heum: "Gongju Geumganggyo Pedestrian Expansion Needed to Create Tourism Products"

At the press briefing, "Since the Geumganggyo bridge design is completed, expanding to four lanes is not easy"

Governor Kim Tae-heum of Chungnam is giving a greeting at a meeting with reporters in Gongju./Gongju=Photo by Lee Byung-ryul

Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungnam Province, stated on the 20th regarding Gongju City's plan to construct the Geumgang Bridge as a two-lane road, "The sidewalk should be expanded to build the bridge as a tourist attraction."

At a press conference held at Art Center Goma before a dialogue with Gongju citizens that day, Governor Kim said, "Since the design of the Geumgang Bridge has already been completed, expanding it to four lanes is not easy," and added, "Making the two-lane bridge itself a tourist attraction is also one option."

Regarding the relocation of the Korea Food Safety Management Certification Institute to Gongju City, he said, "I expect 20,000 to 30,000 people to visit Gongju annually, which will have a significant economic impact on the local economy," and added, "Although it is not large among affiliated institutions, it will have a great effect on the region, so if there is logic and justification unique to Gongju, we will create a plan to develop the region through the relocation of public institutions."

He continued, "Gongju High School is also planning to relocate to the Songseon and Donghyeon areas," emphasizing, "We will seek ways to attract population inflow from Sejong to Gongju in the future."

Regarding the biennial hosting of the Baekje Cultural Festival in Gongju and Buyeo, he said, "The programs are poor compared to the budget spent. In the long term, it cannot be given a good score," and added, "Gongju and Buyeo should decide through discussion."

Governor Kim stated, "The governor's term is a four-year contract, and two years have passed. I will reflect what Gongju citizens have said about provincial administration in next year's budget," and added, "Since the finances of cities and counties are poor, if there are areas where we can help with projects needed by residents, we will actively support them."