Full-Scale Promotion of Key Projects Including Hanok Village, Geumgang River Garden, and International Chestnut Industry Expo
Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, has unveiled a blueprint to transform Gongju into a historical, cultural, and tourism hub city befitting its status as the "Baekje Royal Capital."
He pledged to steadily implement major projects such as expanding the Hanok Village, creating a Geumgang River regional garden, and attracting an international chestnut industry expo, promising changes that citizens can truly experience.
According to Gongju City on September 3, Governor Kim visited Gongju as part of his fourth-year tour of cities and counties under the eighth popularly elected administration, directly communicating with residents and discussing future development strategies.
Governor Kim announced plans to actively promote the expansion of the Hanok Village, the creation of a regional garden along the Geumgang River (from Eocheon to Jukdang), the relocation of the Food Safety Management Certification Institute and the Livestock Environment Management Institute, and the joint hosting of the International Chestnut Industry Expo in 2028.
In particular, the Hanok Village, which will be developed to accommodate 1,300 households by 2036, aims to reinterpret the aesthetics of Baekje in a modern way and revive the image of Gongju as a historical and cultural city.
Governor Kim emphasized, "Through the creation of the Hanok Village, we will offer tourists the unique atmosphere and refined attractions of an ancient capital."
In addition, the Geumgang River regional garden project, with an investment of 35 billion won, is accelerating toward completion in 2028 with the goal of being registered as a national garden. The International Chestnut Industry Expo, which is being planned for joint hosting by Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang in January 2028, has begun the process of obtaining approval as an international event.
The Smart Senior Center and the Rural Live Together Sinpung District are also gaining attention as future-oriented welfare and settlement models for Gongju.
Gongju City, in cooperation with the provincial government, plans to rapidly promote key projects such as the Hanok Village, the Geumgang River garden, the Smart Senior Center, and support for the settlement of young farmers.
Choi Woncheol, Mayor of Gongju, said, "Governor Kim's visit was a promise that the province will support Gongju's development strategy," adding, "We will ensure tangible results that citizens can truly feel."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
