Governor Kim Taeheum: "Administrative Integration with Daejeon Will Serve as a Catalyst for National Overhaul"

Reaffirmed Commitment to Integration at National Assembly Administrative Integration Forum

Taeheum Kim, Governor of Chungnam Province, is performing at the 'Daejeon-Chungnam Administrative Integration Cultural Policy Forum' held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 25th. (Provided by Chungnam Province)

Kim Tae-heum, the governor of Chungnam Province, reaffirmed his commitment to administrative integration with Daejeon City at the 'Daejeon-Chungnam Administrative Integration Cultural Policy Forum' held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido on the 25th.

At the forum, hosted by Seong Iljong of the People Power Party and Munhwa Ilbo, Governor Kim gave a lecture on the theme of 'Daejeon-Chungnam Integration and the Path of Korea,' presenting his vision for integrated administration.

Governor Kim stated, "In an era where the entire country can be reached within half a day, the current system of 17 provinces and cities leads to high administrative costs and inefficiency," adding, "We need to concretize local autonomy and upgrade administration through constitutional amendment."

In his lecture, Governor Kim argued that administrative integration would accelerate the development of social overhead capital (SOC) and promote balanced regional development.

He said, "With concentrated investment of resources, projects such as the Boryeong-Daejeon Expressway and Seosan Airport can be completed quickly, making it possible to create the most livable city in the country."

He also highlighted the economic benefits that could be achieved through economies of scale.

Governor Kim emphasized, "If we create a metropolitan entity with a population of 3.6 million and a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of 190 trillion won, both domestic and international talent and capital will be attracted, and a self-sustaining city supported by universities will be established. Along with the development of industrial complexes, we will make it a business-friendly city and leap forward as a global hub."

He added, "Daejeon and Chungnam, sharing the same roots, will be the first to integrate and serve as a catalyst for the nation's major transformation."