South Chungcheong Province's 'Pet One-Welfare Valley' Passes Central Investment Review

South Chungcheong Province's Pet One-Welfare Valley Project
Receives Conditional Approval in Central Investment Review
Aims to Establish a National Hub for the Pet Industry at Naepo Campus by 2027

Pet One-Welfare Valley Bird's-Eye View

The Pet One-Welfare Valley project, a core strategic initiative of South Chungcheong Province, has entered full-scale implementation after passing the central investment review by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

On July 6, the provincial government announced that the project received conditional approval in the recent central investment review, which recognized the necessity and feasibility of the initiative.

The central investment review is an administrative procedure designed to prevent budget waste and to pre-assess the appropriateness of projects. Passing this review is expected to be a major turning point for the project’s progress.

This project is part of a public contest by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. After receiving instructions for partial revisions during the first review earlier this year, the province revised its project plan with advice from the Chungnam Institute and the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration, ultimately passing the second review.

The Pet One-Welfare Valley will be established by 2027 on a 28,952-square-meter site within the Naepo Campus of Chungnam National University in Hongseong County. The total project cost will exceed 40 billion won, including 20 billion won in national funding. The plan includes two multi-purpose buildings equipped for demonstration, research and development, veterinary and training functions, and business support, as well as an outdoor exercise area exclusively for pets.

Notably, this project is the first in the nation to build a demonstration-centered research and development and pet industry infrastructure under public leadership. Its goal is to create a sustainable industrial ecosystem that harmonizes people, animals, and the environment.

The province completed its basic plan in December 2024, and Hongseong County has already secured the project site, completing all preliminary preparations.

With the central investment review now passed, the province and the county plan to accelerate follow-up procedures, including public architecture reviews and design work.

A provincial official stated, "We have taken a meaningful first step by having the innovation and public value of the pet industry recognized," adding, "We will ensure the successful implementation of the project so that the Naepo Campus can become a national hub for the pet industry."