Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum: "Seohae Line KTX Connection Project Must Be Accelerated"

At the Directors’ Meeting, “Business Attraction and Relocation of Public Institutions from the Capital Area Expected to Gain Momentum”

Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum instructed that follow-up projects related to the ‘Seohae Line Double Track Railway-Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway (Seohae Line KTX) Connection Project,’ which passed the preliminary feasibility study on the 23rd of last month, be pushed forward with speed.

At the 71st Directors’ Meeting held in the main conference room of the provincial government at 2 p.m. on the 10th, Governor Kim said, “The Seohae Line KTX direct connection project, which had been stagnant for nearly 15 years, has passed the preliminary feasibility study and a total of 729.9 billion won will be invested by 2031. As the direct connection project linking 7.35 km from Pyeongtaek on the Seohae Line to Hwaseong on the Gyeongbu High-Speed Line is now being promoted, we will accelerate efforts so that the 45-minute living zone from Hongseong to Seoul can be opened as soon as possible.”

He continued, “We expect that this will also give momentum to attracting businesses and relocating public institutions from the capital area. Please also speed up the connection to the Shinansan Line, the completion of Naepo Station, and the connection between the Janghang Line and SRT.”

Regarding support for small business management recovery, which was announced at a press conference on the 21st of last month, Governor Kim said, “As soon as the budget is finalized at the assembly next week, take measures so that support can be provided immediately to residents, and notify cities and counties accurately. Make sure to guide and promote thoroughly so that no eligible person misses out on benefits due to lack of awareness.”

Regarding securing next year’s government budget, he said, “As we have set this year’s target at 12.3 trillion won, I ask the Vice Governor for Political Affairs and all directors to do their utmost. Please develop response strategies in line with the government’s supplementary budget direction, including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, not only for projects that were not reflected last year, and report so that the governor can be directly involved.”