Securing Momentum for Key Projects
Three Major Initiatives Including the Four-Lane Expansion of National Route 15 between Goheung and Bongrae
Goheung County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced that, following the passage of the 2026 national budget by the National Assembly on December 2, three major national projects-including the four-lane expansion of National Route 15 between Goheung and Bongrae-have received increased funding and will officially commence in 2026.
According to Goheung County on December 4, since the government budget proposal was submitted to the National Assembly in September, Governor Gong Youngmin led active efforts to secure additional funding for key projects. By frequently visiting the National Assembly and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to explain the necessity and urgency of these projects, the county successfully secured an additional 10.5 billion won in national funding. As a result, projects with a total budget of 800.8 billion won will be implemented starting in 2026.
In particular, the "Four-Lane Expansion of National Route 15 between Goheung and Bongrae" project will expand the existing 31.7-kilometer two-lane road to four lanes, with a total project cost of 652.1 billion won. After being selected for a fast-track preliminary feasibility study in January of this year, the project passed the preliminary feasibility review in August following approximately seven months of effort.
Additionally, by securing 8 billion won for basic and detailed design services to enable early commencement of the project, the county aims to realize road improvement benefits from the initial stage of the space launch vehicle cluster development. This is expected to further revitalize the local economy and strengthen the competitiveness of Korea's space industry.
Furthermore, the "Construction of the National Dadohae Forest Healing Center" project, which will be established in the Cheondeungsan area, will create a forest welfare complex-including a healing center and healing forest trails-using a total project cost of 100.2 billion won, fully funded by the national government. Covering Gwangju, South Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang Provinces, it is set to become Korea’s first national coastal forest healing center. The 2026 budget includes 500 million won for a preliminary feasibility study.
For the "Construction of a Private Space Launch Vehicle Engine Combustion Test Facility," an essential infrastructure for fostering the private launch vehicle industry, 2 billion won was secured for basic and detailed design services. In line with the recent success of the fourth Nuri rocket launch, this will lay the foundation for establishing Korea as a space powerhouse and Goheung as a hub for aerospace.
All three projects secured this time are large-scale initiatives that will not only improve Goheung County’s accessibility and tourism infrastructure but also accelerate the completion of the space launch vehicle cluster and related developments.
Governor Gong Youngmin stated, "The inclusion of increased funding for the county’s key projects in the National Assembly budget is the result of a team effort by local National Assembly members Moon Geumjoo and Park Honggeun, as well as relevant department staff. We will continue to actively secure national funding through close collaboration in the future."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
