[Interview] Taean County Governor Ga Se-ro: "Garorim Bay Marine Bridge and Inclusion of National Route 6 and Local Route in Comprehensive Plan Are Imminent"

"Will Lay the Foundation to Extend Beyond the Peninsula's Limits to Inland and Maritime Areas"
"Will Focus on Building an All-Directional Transportation Network and Completing Taean Corporate City"

On the 18th, Gase Ro, head of Taean County in Chungnam, is participating in a year-end special interview with . /Taean County

Garo Taean County Governor in South Chungcheong Province stated regarding the construction of the Garorim Bay Offshore Bridge on National Route 38, also known as the "Mandae Bridge," which will connect Daesan-eup in Seosan City and Iwon-myeon in Taean County, "I believe I will soon be able to deliver good news to the residents."

In an interview with Asia Economy held at the county governor's office on the 18th, Governor Garo said, "The construction of the Garorim Bay Offshore Bridge is my number one pledge," and used the local dialect expression "Horakjil," a term from the Seosan and Taean regions, to describe the challenging efforts made so far.

He stated, "The long-awaited construction of the National Route 38 Offshore Bridge, which has been the focus of the county's efforts throughout the 7th and 8th terms of local government, is progressing smoothly thanks to continuous proposals to the central government and the full support of South Chungcheong Province. It is now on the verge of being included in the '6th National Road and Local Road Comprehensive Plan.' This will be a groundbreaking opportunity for Taean to overcome the limitations of being a peninsula," he emphasized.

He also explained the achievements and future directions of county administration, including the proclamation of the Day of Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo, the reopening of the Taean Five-Day Market, the creation of an offshore wind power complex following the phased closure of Taean Thermal Power Plant, the expansion of tourism infrastructure, and dynamic economic growth and region-led balanced development.

The following is a Q&A with Governor Garo.

-You have already passed the halfway point of your term as the 8th popularly elected governor of Taean County. How do you feel looking back on your time leading Taean?

△Since the 7th term, I have spent about six years as governor together with the residents. As I have been constantly on the move, more than half of the 8th term has already passed in the blink of an eye.

I am deeply grateful to all the residents who have watched over and supported me. I always ask people to think of me as a servant.

This is my own way of expressing my determination to work hard for the happiness of the residents and the development of the region, and it is a phrase I keep in my heart to maintain the mindset I had six years ago.

I am doing my best so that the 60,000 residents can enjoy a quality of life comparable to that of Seoul citizens, and I promise to continue working tirelessly until the last day of my term to draw a bright future for Taean on the path we have paved so far.

A bird's-eye view of the Garorim Bay Marine Bridge connecting Daesan-eup, Seosan City, Chungnam and Iwon-myeon, Taean County. /Taean County

-What are the main projects and achievements being pursued this year?

△This year, I have focused all my efforts on faithfully fulfilling the Gwanggaeto Mega Project promised to the residents and realizing the vision of New Marine City Taean, as well as creating a better quality of life and living environment for the residents.

The National Route 38 Offshore Bridge, which has been the focus of the county's efforts throughout the 7th and 8th terms, is progressing smoothly with continuous proposals to the central government and the full support of South Chungcheong Province, and is now on the verge of being included in the '6th National Road and Local Road Comprehensive Plan.'

I am confident that this will complete the massive circular transportation network of the Gwanggaeto Mega Project and lay the foundation for Taean County to overcome the limitations of being a peninsula and extend into both the inland and the sea.

The Taean Marine Healing Center, which will serve as a stepping stone for the rise of New Marine City Taean, has been constructed smoothly and is expected to emerge as the best facility in the country in the second half of next year.

With the enthusiastic support of the residents, we proclaimed "July 4th Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo Day," highlighting the symbolism and importance of Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo in Taean nationwide.

The offshore wind power complex, which will offset the risk of economic downturn and population outflow due to the phased closure of Taean Thermal Power Plant and serve as a new role model for public-led offshore wind power projects, is gaining momentum by significantly expanding the participation of fishermen as key stakeholders in the second phase of the public-private council.

In addition, by actively responding to the paradigm shift in population policy toward "living population," we achieved the second highest number of resident population among the 89 areas with declining populations nationwide as of the second quarter.

Furthermore, we have devoted all our efforts to the second phase of the balanced development project in South Chungcheong Province to improve the quality of life for residents, securing a budget of 39.3 billion won so far, with an additional 62.6 billion won in projects in the final approval stage.

In addition, we achieved meaningful results in securing funds by winning the bid for the Fishing Village New Vitality Promotion Project, securing 8.3 billion won in national funds, and newly securing 8 billion won for the repair and maintenance of national and local levees.

The Taean Five-Day Market, which was revived this year after 35 years, has become a venue for exchange and harmony for residents and a popular regional specialty and cultural tourism resource for tourists.

The proclamation ceremony of "Gyeongryeolbiyeoldo Day." / Taean County

-It is known that there are many key issues that Taean County must focus on. Please explain the future direction of county administration.

△In short, the direction and goal of county administration is to build "a Taean County where all residents live happily and prosperously."

To achieve this, it is important to establish a foundation for groundbreaking regional development, and the Gwanggaeto Mega Project, which has continued since the 7th term, is part of these efforts.

During the remainder of the 8th term, I plan to focus on dynamic economic growth, region-led balanced development, improving the quality of life for residents, and expanding the foundation for residents' self-reliance by building a comprehensive transportation network, fostering new industries, and completing the Taean Corporate City.

In addition, we plan to significantly expand balanced development projects and take the lead in expanding tourism infrastructure through private investment to promote region-led balanced development.

We will create a residential environment centered on history and culture to improve the quality of life for residents, and ultimately strive to create a new history of remarkable growth and development by linking economic growth policies with the expansion of the foundation for residents' self-reliance.

In particular, based on the achievements made so far in establishing the foundation for Taean County's growth, we plan to focus even more on stabilizing livelihoods, economic growth, fostering new industries, and balanced development in county administration.

-Lastly, please say a word to the 60,000 residents.

△The 8th term has already passed its halfway point, and less than half of the term remains. I will not be satisfied with the achievements of the past two years, but will continue to maintain my original mindset and devote myself to each task with humility for the residents.

I promise to continue working together with all residents, including the readers of Asia Economy, so that Taean County can continue to change and develop in the right direction. I wish you all the best in wrapping up the rest of 2024 and hope for your continued success.