Call for Measures to Revitalize Ports
Assemblyman Lee Haeseon Urges Chungnam Province to Develop Its Own Port Policies and Address Local Port Issues
Assemblyman Lee Haeseon of Chungnam Provincial Council pointing out the problems of Chungnam Province's port policy through a question session. / Photo by Chungnam Provincial Council
Assemblyman Lee Haeseon of the Chungnam Provincial Council (Dangjin 2, People Power Party) pointed out the problems of Chungnam Province's port policy and urged the development of measures to revitalize local ports during the second plenary session of the 359th regular session held on the afternoon of June 11.
Chungnam Province is home to several trade ports, including Dangjin Port, Daesan Port, Taean Port, Boryeong Port, and Janghang Port. According to data from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as of 2024, Dangjin Port ranked 5th, Daesan Port 6th, Boryeong Port 10th, and Taean Port 14th nationwide. The cargo volume handled by these four ports accounts for 15.4% of the national total.
Assemblyman Lee stated, "Ports are marine logistics infrastructure that connect us to the world via the sea and are a core foundation for global national competitiveness. Their impact on the local economy is also enormous, so they should be strategically fostered as an industry."
He continued, "However, most port policy authority lies with central government ministries, which limits the autonomy of local governments in pursuing their own projects. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of Chungnam Province to develop Chungnam-style port policies and have them reflected at the national level."
He then highlighted major issues with Chungnam's port facilities, including: ▲ the Daesan Port international passenger terminal, which has been left unused for nine years; ▲ the lack of response strategies regarding the construction of the bridge connecting Sinpyeong and Naehang; ▲ the low utilization rate of the Godae Pier at Dangjin Port; and ▲ the construction plan for Asan New Port.
Regarding the Daesan Port international passenger terminal, Assemblyman Lee pointed out, "Although 34.4 billion won in national funds was invested in its construction in 2016, it has not even begun operations. Despite its geographical advantage as the shortest route to China, it remains neglected. Measures to activate its use are urgently needed."
On the subject of the bridge construction, he said, "Once the bridge is completed, access to more than 20 berths will be improved, which will greatly benefit related businesses. Nevertheless, both Chungnam Province and Dangjin City lack interest in formulating response strategies for the bridge construction," calling for a more proactive approach from the provincial government.
Regarding the activation of the Godae Pier at Dangjin Port, he stated, "More than half of the pier is dedicated for exclusive corporate use, but its cargo handling performance remains around 36%, indicating underutilization. There is a need for active consultation with operators and institutional improvements to revitalize the pier."
On the construction of Asan New Port, he commented, "There are several constraints, such as shallow water depth, navigational issues, and enormous construction costs, which raise questions about its feasibility. Instead, developing the area as a waterfront space, port hinterland, or logistics support facility would be a more realistic and beneficial alternative for the local economy."
Assemblyman Lee emphasized, "The port industry is a critical matter for Chungnam's long-term future. I urge Chungnam Province and related agencies to actively cooperate and work together so that Chungnam can become a leading local government in the nation's port industry."
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