Lee Jae Myung: "Seoul as a Global Economic Capital... Competing with New York, London, and Paris"

Complete Overhaul of First-Generation New Town Infrastructure

Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party, stated on April 25, "I will transform Seoul into a global economic capital rivaling New York, make Incheon the global gateway for K-economy through logistics and the bio industry, and develop Gyeonggi Province into a hub for semiconductors and advanced technologies."

Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party, is speaking during his visit to the Saemangeum33 Center in Jeonbuk on the morning of the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News

In his statement announcing his pledges for the Seoul metropolitan area, Lee said, "Seoul must rise as a global economic capital competing with New York, London, and Paris." He added, "I will connect the Yeouido financial hub and the Yongsan international business district into a single entity, turning it into a world-class financial and business center that attracts global capital and companies."

Lee explained, "The semiconductor mega-cluster being established in Seongnam, Suwon, Yongin, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, and Anseong will become a complete ecosystem encompassing research and development, design, testing, and production." He continued, "We will specialize in areas such as Pangyo, Gwanggyo IT and bio, gaming and autonomous driving, and the defense industry. Additionally, technovalleys in Ansan, Yangju, and Goyang will be linked with each city and county’s industrial complexes to enhance global competitiveness."

Lee stated, "I will support Incheon in its aim to become a global logistics hub by connecting the airport, port, and surrounding cities." He added, "The Songdo, Yeongjongdo, and Siheung areas will be developed into a world-class bio mega-cluster that covers advanced research, development, and production."

Lee also said, "I will build future-oriented smart cities and expand living infrastructure." He continued, "For the first-generation new towns (Bundang, Ilsan, Sanbon, Jungdong, and Pyeongchon), I will completely overhaul the aging infrastructure to improve both urban functions and residential quality."

Lee stated, "I will connect major metropolitan hubs within a one-hour economic zone." He said, "I will ensure that the GTX-A, B, and C lines proceed without delay, and I will actively support their extension to the outskirts of the metropolitan area and Gangwon Province to reduce regions excluded from GTX service."