Final Draft of 'Daejeon Chungnam Administrative Integration Special Act' Confirmed and Officially Proposed to Governors and Council Chairs

Composed of 296 Provisions in Total

The Daejeon Chungnam Private Council is taking a group commemorative photo after the presentation ceremony of the Special Act on Administrative Integration (draft). (Photo by Seokbong Mo)

The special bill to integrate Daejeon and Chungnam has been finalized and officially proposed to the governors and the chairs of the metropolitan and provincial councils, leaving only passage through the National Assembly as the next step.

The Daejeon Chungnam Administrative Integration Public-Private Council (co-chaired by Lee Changgi and Jaegeun Jeong) held its fifth meeting in the main conference room of Daejeon City Hall on July 14, where it finalized the "Special Act on the Establishment of the Daejeon Chungnam Special City and the Creation of an Economic and Science Capital (tentative title)."

The finalized draft was officially proposed to Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon, Jo Wonhui, Chair of the Daejeon Metropolitan Council, Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do, and Hong Seonghyeon, Chair of the Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Council.

This bill consists of a total of 7 parts, 17 chapters, 18 sections, and 296 articles, and covers: ▲Part 1 General Provisions ▲Part 2 Establishment and Operation of the Daejeon Chungnam Special City ▲Part 3 Strengthening of Autonomy ▲Part 4 Creation of the Economic and Science Capital ▲Part 5 Enhancement of the Quality of Life for Special City Residents ▲Part 6 Supplementary Provisions ▲Part 7 Penal Provisions.

Notably, the sections on ▲Creation of the Economic and Science Capital (Part 4) and ▲Enhancement of Quality of Life (Part 5) include numerous special provisions that specify the core goals of administrative integration, such as establishing a global innovation hub, promoting national strategic industries, and improving citizen happiness.

Lee Changgi, co-chairman of Daejeon, is giving a greeting. (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

Lee Changgi, co-chairman of Daejeon, stated, "It was a meaningful moment to be able to propose the final draft of the law, which was developed through eight meetings, including the full council and subcommittee meetings, as well as the work of the support team, to the governors and council chairs." He added, "I hope this bill passes the National Assembly, paving the way for true local autonomy, and that Daejeon and Chungnam will be established as an economic and science capital."

Jaegeun Jeong, Co-Chairman of Chungnam, is delivering a greeting. (Photo by Seokbong Mo)

Jaegeun Jeong, co-chairman of Chungnam, said, "After more than 30 years of local autonomy in Korea, it is time to seek a new system to respond to the changing administrative demands," and continued, "I hope Daejeon and Chungnam will come together as one and take the lead in forging a new path."

They are taking a commemorative photo after the presentation ceremony of the Daejeon Chungnam Administrative Integration Special Act (draft) bill. (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

Following the fifth meeting of the public-private council, a presentation ceremony for the Daejeon Chungnam Administrative Integration Special Act (draft) was also held.

Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon, said, "This bill, developed over about seven months through the joint efforts of the public and private sectors, citizens, and experts, is the first model where a local government has designed its own future." He continued, "Now, let us unite Daejeon and Chungnam as one, redraw Korea's future map, and become the center of national growth."

He also emphasized, "Daejeon and Chungnam once shared the same roots," and added, "Let's achieve integration for the future of the Chungcheong region and work for the bill's passage in the National Assembly."

Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam, expressed his gratitude by saying, "I deeply appreciate the passion and dedication shown by the committee members." He stressed, "Integration is not an easy path and requires some sacrifices, but it is an investment for future generations and a meaningful step toward creating a new model for balanced national development in Korea, so let us make sure it happens."

Jo Wonhui, Chair of the Daejeon Metropolitan Council, said, "The public-private council set the direction for integration and drafted the bill based on citizens' opinions gathered through various channels," and added, "The Daejeon Metropolitan Council will also, through the special committee on administrative integration and by considering the perspectives of all sectors, ensure that administrative integration benefits everyone."

Hong Seonghyeon, Chair of the Chungnam Provincial Council, stated, "Administrative integration will be an opportunity for Chungnam and Daejeon to advance together," and added, "As the integration bill includes various special provisions, we will continue to listen closely to the voices of our residents and actively reflect their opinions."

Officials from both regions who attended the event said, "During the seven-month journey, from envisioning the future to drafting the articles, we were able to confirm a new vision for Daejeon and Chungnam," and added, "Although we have held consensus discussions with five autonomous districts and fifteen cities and counties, we will continue to seek deeper understanding and broader consensus from citizens to ensure the bill passes the National Assembly."

The two regions plan to submit the bill to the National Assembly in August, followed by review by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, deliberation by the Public Administration and Security Committee and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and aim for passage at the National Assembly plenary session in December.