Promoting the Intelligent Sensor Support Center and National Military Future Museum
Achieving Results Through Communicative Leadership
With the rapid progress of major national defense projects such as the Intelligent Sensor Spin-On Support Center and the National Military Future Museum, Gyeryong City in South Chungcheong Province is strengthening its status as the nation's defense capital.
At the center of this transformation is Mayor Lee Eungwoo, whose leadership over the past three years has driven the growth of military culture and the defense industry, guiding Gyeryong toward becoming a "city for the next 100 years."
Since winning the 2022 local elections with 54.74% of the vote, Mayor Lee has continued to pursue tireless administration under the city government vision of "Yes! Gyeryong, Overflowing with Happiness."
In particular, he has prioritized on-site communication, personally visiting locations of both large and small civil complaints and adjusting policy directions through dialogue with citizens, thus achieving "tangible results felt by the citizens" through communicative governance.
During the 2022 Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo, 1.7 million visitors attended without a single safety incident, which elevated the city's brand.
Following this, the 2024 International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) attracted 360 companies from 15 countries, resulting in expanded overseas opportunities for domestic defense companies and a broader foundation for global cooperation.
Gyeryong City is the only city in South Chungcheong Province to have achieved the highest rating for three consecutive years in pledge fulfillment. The city has also been recognized as an excellent institution for safety by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, ranked first in the Chungcheong region for the Social Safety Index, and received the Korea Creative Management Citizen Communication Award. These achievements are the result of Mayor Lee's administrative philosophy of "always keeping promises" being put into practice.
The core of Mayor Lee's administration is strengthening the foundation of the defense industry. The Intelligent Sensor Spin-On Support Center is a national-level platform that supports the testing, evaluation, certification, and commercialization of sensor materials, parts, and components. By supporting research and development for related small and medium-sized enterprises, it lays the groundwork for Gyeryong to become a hub of the defense industry.
The National Military Future Museum is set to become a symbolic space encompassing the history and future of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. It is expected to serve as a venue for national security education and as a landmark representing the nation's defense capital.
Other major projects are also gaining momentum, including the creation of a specialized industrial complex for advanced defense technology, the construction of the K-Defense Convention Center, and preparations for the 2028 World Military Culture Expo.
Additionally, the expansion of living infrastructure is underway, including the creation of the Hyangjeoksan Natural Recreation Forest and Ecological Forest, development of the Daesil and Hadaesil districts, construction of the National Sports Center and Bandabi Sports Center, completion of a pet playground and integrated cultural center, and library remodeling projects.
These initiatives are expected to improve residential environments, attract new residents, and revitalize the local economy.
Mayor Lee has also worked to secure national project funding for Gyeryong City through active cooperation with central government ministries and the National Assembly.
By maintaining close communication with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and others, he has explained key issues and actively attracted government-sponsored projects, thereby securing resources for the city's development-another testament to his leadership.
Mayor Lee Eungwoo emphasized, "Gyeryong is developing into a future-oriented city that represents Korea as its defense capital, harmonizing military culture, the defense industry, and living infrastructure. In the remaining year, together with over 500 public officials, I will repay the trust of our citizens and ensure Gyeryong is fully prepared for the next 100 years."
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