Sejong City Council Adopts Resolution Urging National Management and Public Use of Chungnam Forest Resources Research Institute Site

Photo by Office of Secretariat Public Relations Planning Team

On August 25, the Sejong City Council adopted a resolution urging national management and public use of the site of the Chungnam Forest Resources Research Institute, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Kim Hyunok, during the 1st plenary session of its 100th extraordinary meeting.

This resolution calls on the government to directly own and manage the site and to develop plans for its use based on public values such as ecology, education, and welfare.

The Chungnam Forest Resources Research Institute, established in 1994, is the largest complex forest ecological space in the central region, featuring an arboretum, a natural recreation forest, a forest museum, and a tropical greenhouse. Although it was incorporated into Sejong City in terms of administrative districts, ownership remains with South Chungcheong Province, resulting in a separation of management and licensing rights, which has led to administrative inefficiency and ongoing regional conflict.

In July 2024, Sejong City and South Chungcheong Province pursued a site relocation agreement and attempted a private sale. However, public opposition led to growing demands for nationalization and public use. In August 2025, both local governments submitted a proposal to the National Policy Planning Committee to transfer ownership and management to the state.

Through the resolution, the Sejong City Council strongly urged the government to: promptly proceed with the nationalization of the Chungnam Forest Resources Research Institute site; establish a plan to foster a national forest complex hub that combines ecological education, forest culture, and citizen recreation functions; and include the site in the designated area of Sejong City to develop an integrated national-level utilization plan.

The adopted resolution will be delivered to relevant institutions, including the President (Chief of Staff), Speaker of the National Assembly, leaders of the Democratic Party of Korea, People Power Party, and Rebuilding Korea Party, the Prime Minister (Minister of Government Policy Coordination), the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Minister of Environment, the Chief of the Korea Forest Service, and the Administrator of the Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency.