New Year's Press Conference Held: "Economy Enables Culture and Welfare"
Development of Gyesung Paper Mill and Segyo Terminal Sites to Create City Landmarks
"The core of city administration is the economy. Only with a strong economy can culture and welfare be possible." Lee Gwon-jae, mayor of Osan City, Gyeonggi Province, emphasized 'economy' as the top priority for the new year's city administration.
Mayor Lee stated this during a New Year's press conference held on the 15th at the Osan Osaek Culture and Sports Center. He particularly expressed his determination to focus administrative efforts this year on major transportation network expansions such as the development of the Segyo 3 public housing district and the extension of the metropolitan express railroad (GTX) Line C to Osan.
Lee Gwon-jae, Mayor of Osan City, is explaining the direction of city administration for this year at the New Year's press conference on the 15th. Photo by Jeong Doo-hwan
Mayor Lee emphasized, "The Segyo 3 district and GTX-C line will serve as the catalyst for becoming a 'self-sufficient economic city with a population of 500,000 and a budget era of 1 trillion won'." He expressed confidence that "with large-scale development and transportation networks added to the location as the center of the semiconductor cluster in southern Gyeonggi, this vision will become a reality sooner."
He also unveiled a development blueprint to attract advanced industries. His plan includes creating a high-tech industrial complex on idle land at the reserve forces training center and establishing a 300,000-pyeong (approximately 991,735 sq ft) advanced techno valley near the Applied Materials R&D center site in Gajang-dong.
Various transportation network expansion plans were also proposed. To resolve bottlenecks around the Gyeongbu Expressway, he plans to strengthen consultations with related organizations such as the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) for projects including the three-dimensionalization of Osan IC and the undergrounding of Wondong and KEPCO intersections. In particular, he aims to include the construction of a semiconductor highway IC and connecting roads between Hwaseong and Anseong, as well as a new high-pass IC for Unamdeul AI City, in the Segyo 3 district's metropolitan traffic improvement measures.
Additionally, he plans to actively promote ▲ Hwaseong Geumgok District IC on the Seoul Metropolitan Area 2nd Ring Expressway ▲ new high-pass entry and exit roads near Osan rest area ▲ construction of a complex cultural space above Osan IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway ▲ KTX stops at Osan Station from Suwon ▲ prompt commencement of the Dongtan urban railway tram ▲ extension of the Bundang Line subway ▲ extension of the Byeongjeom-Gwanggyo Line to Segyo 3 district.
Regarding Osan Urban Corporation, which officially launched this year, the mayor intends to stabilize the organization and enhance expertise following the recent appointment of a new president. Mayor Lee explained, "We are currently negotiating with LH to acquire the Segyo terminal site," adding, "Once the site is secured, we will actively proceed with development through Osan Urban Corporation."
Efforts to improve urban aesthetics will also be continuously expanded. To this end, support will be provided to install nighttime landscape lighting in up to 20 apartment complexes, and the scenery along major roads will be dramatically improved. To expand insufficient leisure spaces for citizens, water play facilities will be established in two locations including Busan Children's Park, and seven additional trails with loess soil will be created. At Seorang Reservoir, deck roads, landscape lighting, and fountain facilities will be installed, and landscape lighting will also be promoted at Goindol Park.
Efforts will be made to create new landmarks as well. Unamdeul AI City will be developed as a convergence complex combining residential, commercial, cultural, and advanced industries, along with the establishment of an e-sports arena and a youth Rodeo Street. The mayor's intention is to develop the Segyo terminal site and the former Gyesung Paper Mill site into city landmarks.
In the welfare sector, free shingles vaccinations will be provided to low-income seniors aged 65 and over, and to alleviate citizens' burdens from long-distance funerals, cremation incentives of up to 350,000 won will be supported. To overcome low birth rates, childbirth support funds and entrance fees for daycare centers and elementary schools will be provided. For citizens aged 19 and older, lifelong education incentives of up to 300,000 won annually will be given to 650 people.
Mayor Lee stated, "Based on the empathy and support of many citizens, we will carry out innovative and proactive administration with greater speed going forward," adding, "This year, we will do our best to realize the future city of Osan without losing the initial resolve at the time of my inauguration." He further said, "Like the proverb Nojeokseonghae (露積成海), meaning small efforts accumulate to achieve great dreams, we will gather the precious will of citizens to achieve successful outcomes in many policies and projects."
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