[New Year's Address] Governor Kim Deokhyun: "Bold Challenges... With the Spirit of 'Mabujeongje,' We Will Achieve Yeoncheon's Development"

Kim Deokhyun, Governor of Yeoncheon, Delivers 2026 New Year's Address
Presents Four Major Innovation Blueprints Including Seoul-Yeoncheon Expressway and Basic Income
Aims for AI-Based Green Bio Industry Growth and Transformation into a Stay-Type Tourism City
"Overcoming Yeoncheon's Geographical Limitations with the Challenging Spirit of the Late Chairman Lee Byung-chul"

Kim Deokhyun, Governor of Yeoncheon County, delivered a New Year's address for the upcoming Byeongo Year (Year of the Red Horse) in 2026, declaring his determination to lead Yeoncheon's uninterrupted development with the resolve of "Mabujeongje (a running horse never stops its hooves)."

Kim Deokhyun, Yeoncheon County Governor. Provided by Yeoncheon County

In his New Year's message, Governor Kim stated, "I hope that 2026, the Year of the Red Horse, will be a year when Yeoncheon County develops even more dynamically," adding, "With a spirit of selfless dedication, I will strive to improve the quality of life for our residents and boldly take on challenges for Yeoncheon's future."

He further emphasized, "Going forward, I will lead Yeoncheon County based on the three core values it must pursue: civilization, ecology, and peace."

As the first key direction for county administration this year, Governor Kim highlighted "Yeoncheon as a transportation hub." His plan is to dramatically improve residents' mobility by expediting the construction of the Seoul-Yeoncheon Expressway, which has been adopted as a new government policy, resuming operations on the Gyeongwon Line, and reducing intervals between trains on Subway Line 1. In particular, the selection of a national R&D hydrogen electric train demonstration project worth 32.1 billion won is expected to accelerate the establishment of an eco-friendly transportation system.

In the field of welfare, he stressed "stronger and more comprehensive lifelong welfare." Governor Kim pledged, "Through the 'Basic Income for Rural Areas' (150,000 won per month) to be implemented from March this year, we will overcome the crisis of regional extinction, and by steadily promoting the completion of the Edu Healthcare Center scheduled for 2028 and the comprehensive funeral facility targeted for completion in 2029, we will establish a customized welfare system for every stage of life."

He also presented a blueprint for "Yeoncheon as an industrial convergence hub" to revitalize the economy. Governor Kim announced, "With Yeoncheon BIX at the center, our goal is to attract more than 50 bio companies and create 1,000 jobs to establish ourselves as the leading green bio industry base in northern Gyeonggi Province. Furthermore, by designating a Peace Economic Special Zone and launching the Northern Gyeonggi Agricultural R&D Center, we plan to secure future growth industries."

In the tourism sector, he emphasized "Yeoncheon as a destination for preservation tourism" utilizing the county's three core values of civilization, ecology, and peace. Governor Kim stated, "We will make Yeoncheon a leading tourism hub in Korea by preparing for the successful hosting of the 2029 World Paleolithic Expo, creating the 'World Ecological Peace Garden' with the aim of national garden designation in 2030, building the largest Imjingang Pet Theme Park in the metropolitan area, and constructing the Amicheon Multi-purpose Dam."

Governor Kim Deokhyun said, "Yeoncheon County faces many difficulties due to its geographical limitations of bordering the Military Demarcation Line and overlapping regulations such as the Metropolitan Area Readjustment Planning Act. However, just as the late Chairman Lee Byung-chul fearlessly challenged the semiconductor industry when everyone said it was impossible, we need a spirit of fearless challenge."

He added, "Just as the saying 'a running horse never stops its hooves' (Mabujeongje) goes, if the residents, county administration, and the council unite and move forward together, the development of Yeoncheon will surely be achieved."