'Youth Life' Satisfaction Ranks 2nd in Happiness Among Special and Metropolitan Cities
Population Increases for the First Time in 12 Years...1,572 More Residents Last Year
Accelerating the Launch of Daejeon-Chungnam Special City, Operation of the D-Leap Fund, and Introduction of Three-Car Articulated Vehicles
On January 5, Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo held a New Year's press conference in the city hall briefing room and announced, "According to the achievements that citizens felt last year, Daejeon ranked first nationwide for nine consecutive months in the Realmeter survey on resident life satisfaction, and also achieved first place nationwide in the Statistics Korea social survey on life satisfaction."
Mayor Lee stated, "According to the National Assembly Futures Institute, Daejeon ranked second among special and metropolitan cities in both youth life satisfaction and happiness, and third nationwide in the Ministry of Employment and Labor's work-life balance index." He then presented the achievements of the 8th popularly elected city administration and outlined major work plans for the future.
Mayor Lee emphasized that during the 8th term, unprecedented achievements were made across various indicators, as evaluated by the government, the private sector, citizens, and the market. He pledged to do his utmost until the end of the 8th term in 2026.
Mayor Lee highlighted key achievements in the market, noting that Daejeon ranks third among metropolitan cities in the number of listed companies on the Korea Exchange with 67 companies, and second in total market capitalization. According to the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association, the city’s bio companies recorded technology exports of 9 companies totaling 13.2876 trillion won, marking an average annual increase of more than 70%.
He further explained that, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Daejeon attracted 591 million dollars in foreign direct investment, ranking second among non-capital regions. Domestic and foreign corporate investment attracted reached 106 companies, totaling 2.7033 trillion won, and created 5,378 jobs, setting a record for investment scale.
In terms of government statistical achievements, Daejeon ranked third nationwide in per capita personal income, first among metropolitan cities in the number of patent applications, and saw its registered population increase by 1,572 last year, marking the first population growth in 12 years and the highest increase among non-capital regions.
Additionally, the city ranked first nationwide in both the number and growth rate of marriages, third in the number of births, had the highest number of childcare facilities among special and metropolitan cities, and recorded the lowest rate of child safety accidents among 17 provinces and cities.
Furthermore, Daejeon had the lowest number of serious industrial accidents nationwide according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the lowest number of wildfires among metropolitan cities and the highest fire reduction rate nationwide according to the National Fire Information System, the highest green area ratio among special and metropolitan cities as per Statistics Korea, the most designated natural recreation forests among special and metropolitan cities according to the Korea Forest Service, and the highest number of users at Maninsan and Jangtaesan, ranking first and second nationwide. In addition, according to the Ministry of Environment, Daejeon’s water rates were the lowest in the country.
As for achievements recognized by society, Daejeon ranked first among 17 provinces and cities for five consecutive months in the city brand reputation index evaluated by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. The number of visitors to major tourist attractions, as compiled by the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, increased by 46%. The local festival participation rate analyzed by the Korea Institute of Local Finance ranked first nationwide, and the average tourism spending by external visitors ranked second nationwide.
Furthermore, Daejeon was the only Korean city to be ranked ninth in Agoda’s list of Asia’s best value travel destinations, ranked first among 17 provinces and cities in domestic travel destination share according to Consumer Insight, first nationwide in recommended dessert restaurants, rose from last place to ninth in summer vacation satisfaction, and ranked first in both price and commercial morality categories.
In terms of government-evaluated achievements, Daejeon ranked first among non-capital regions and third nationwide in the regional science and technology innovation capability assessment by the Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning, first in Asia for science and technology intensity as assessed by the World Intellectual Property Organization, and first among non-capital regions in both R&D investment and the number of full-time researchers according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Additionally, the number of traffic accident fatalities decreased by 37%, making Daejeon the third safest city for traffic safety nationwide as evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Sungsimdang and Kkumssi Family were selected for two consecutive years as Korea Tourism Stars by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Jangtaesan was the only natural recreation forest selected among Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Attractions.
Mayor Lee stated that, in addition to the achievements shown in various indicators, the 8th popularly elected Daejeon city administration has been widely recognized for resolving long-standing pending projects.
Among these projects: ▲Gyeopcheon Ecological Lake Park opened after 11 years; ▲Ojeong Urban Regeneration Innovation District designated as a national pilot district after 12 years; ▲Temporary opening of the Oesam-Yuseong BRT road after 14 years; ▲Completion of the Yuseong Complex Terminal after 15 years; ▲Groundbreaking for the first phase of the Chungcheong Region Metropolitan Railroad after 17 years; ▲Feasibility study approval for the Sajeonggyo-Hanbat Bridge road project after 18 years; ▲Promotion of the Daejeon Station Area Complex Development and the Treasure Mountain Project after 20 years; ▲Expected completion of the first phase of the second landfill after 23 years; ▲Selection of the modernization of Noeun Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market as a feasibility study project after 24 years.
Additionally: ▲Completion of administrative procedures for the Southwest Comprehensive Sports Town after 25 years; ▲Groundbreaking for all sections of Subway Line 2 tram after 28 years; ▲Redevelopment of long-term residential districts and renovation of aging planned cities after 30 years; ▲Opening of Dong Daejeon Library after 35 years; ▲Groundbreaking for modernization of the sewage treatment plant after 36 years; ▲Designation of the downtown railway section as an integrated development project after 50 years; ▲Start of Daejeon Industrial Complex regeneration project after 50 years; ▲Revision of the law to improve land use efficiency in Daedeok Innopolis after 50 years; ▲Promotion of Daejeon Overpass as a tourism landmark after 56 years; ▲Opening of Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark after 61 years.
Despite these achievements, Mayor Lee analyzed that, this year, despite favorable conditions in external financial markets, uncertainties in the U.S.-centered tariff system and persistent geopolitical risks remain. Domestically, high inflation and a strong won are causing instability in the livelihood economy, and structural low growth is becoming entrenched. In particular, the concentration of economic and human resources in the capital region is intensifying, which is weakening the regional industrial base and exacerbating the negative impact of demographic changes in local areas.
Therefore, he emphasized that future policy directions will be guided by major themes of future, industry, livelihood, space, culture, and ecology, and that tasks will be carried out quickly, with the principle that completing them even a day sooner is in the best interest of citizens, in line with annual goals.
First, in 2026, the following will be completed: ▲Enactment of a special law for the launch of Daejeon-Chungnam Special City, ushering in an era of local government with independent finances and authority; ▲Completion of the Defense Industry Innovation Cluster and Robot Drone Support Center; ▲Operation of the Daejeon D-Leap Fund; ▲Provision of management stabilization support funds and ultra-low interest management loans for small businesses; ▲Improvement of traditional market facilities; ▲Expansion of national and public daycare centers and implementation of Daejeon-style basic childcare allowances; ▲Support for youth gatherings and marriage incentives; ▲Restoration of the first Daejeon City Hall; ▲Development of the Midnight Festival and other economic revitalization festivals; ▲Establishment of sports facilities in Dong-gu; ▲Completion of dredging of the three major rivers before the rainy season; ▲Construction of the second landfill; ▲Expansion of the Tashu bike-sharing system; ▲Construction of a new connecting road between Yuseong Complex Terminal and Oesam BRT; ▲Introduction of three-car articulated new transportation vehicles; and ▲Establishment of a basic plan for the renovation of aging planned cities.
In 2027, the following will be completed: ▲Establishment of the Bio Startup Center and KAIST Digital Medical Science Center; ▲Creation of the Majungmul Plaza; ▲Construction of the Daejeon-type demonstration testbed; ▲Completion of the Beauty Industry Promotion Center; ▲Establishment of win-win parking lots in the old downtown; ▲Construction of the Lee Jongsu Pottery Hall; ▲Creation of the Sojaedong Modern History and Culture Space; ▲Establishment of the Daejeonhak Power Plant; ▲Completion of the Anyoung Sports Complex; ▲Construction of Sikjangsan Station on Subway Line 1; ▲Construction of the first phase of the Chungcheong Region Metropolitan Railroad; ▲Establishment of integrated infrastructure in the Daejeon Station area; ▲Creation of the Bomunsan Recreation Complex; ▲Establishment of hydrogen energy transportation infrastructure; and ▲Completion of the third natural burial ground at Daejeon Memorial Park.
In 2028, the following will be completed: ▲Establishment of the Daedeok Convergence Research Innovation Center; ▲Creation of the Convergence Special Video Content Cluster; ▲Development of the Ansan Advanced Defense Industrial Complex; ▲Establishment of the KAIST Startup Innovation Park; ▲Construction of the Senior Citizens’ Center; ▲Construction of the Central Fire Station; ▲Creation of a baseball-themed street; ▲Development of Daejeon Overpass as a tourism resource; ▲Opening of Subway Line 2 tram; ▲Completion of Yudeunggyo Bridge; ▲Creation of the Bomunsan Arboretum; ▲Establishment of the Daecheongho Rose Park; ▲Modernization of the sewage treatment plant; and ▲Construction of the second intake tower and water tunnel.
By 2029, the following will be completed: ▲Establishment of the Space Technology Innovation Talent Development Center; ▲Completion of the Hagi District special zone development project; ▲Construction of the Social Welfare Center; ▲Establishment of Daejeon Medical Center; ▲Construction of the third and fourth municipal libraries; ▲Establishment of the National Safety Experience Center; ▲Creation of the Southwest Comprehensive Sports Town; ▲Construction of a dedicated fencing stadium; ▲Development of the Nara Sarang Park; ▲Completion of the Daejeon Station Area Complex Development; ▲Establishment of the Daejeon Station Future Transfer Center; ▲Upgrading of Hanbat Arboretum; and ▲Construction of simplified public sewage treatment facilities.
Finally, after 2030, the following will be completed: ▲Establishment of the Daedeok Quantum Cluster; ▲Construction of a new advanced semiconductor fab at the Nano Convergence Technology Institute; ▲Creation of an advanced bio-medical innovation district; ▲Development of the National Nano Semiconductor Industrial Complex; ▲Completion of the Daejeon Industrial Complex regeneration; ▲Establishment of the Urban Convergence Special Zone; ▲Creation of the Ojeong Urban Regeneration Innovation District; ▲Modernization of aging power plants; ▲Provision of 20,000 youth housing units; ▲Modernization of the Noeun Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market; ▲Establishment of the second Culture and Arts Complex; ▲Completion of the Treasure Mountain Project; ▲Integrated development of the three-dimensional urban railway section; ▲Establishment of the Chungcheong Region transportation network; ▲Promotion of Subway Lines 3, 4, and 5; ▲Relocation of Daejeon Prison; ▲Recreation of the Jawoondae area; ▲Development of public housing in Dong-gu; and ▲Creation of the Norubeol Garden.
Mayor Lee stated, "Daejeon, as a city of pioneers, has become the capital of science in Korea and the central city of the Chungcheong region over its 120-year history since the opening of Daejeon Station in 1905." He added, "The 8th popularly elected Daejeon city administration has reached the goal of becoming a world-class economic city with passion and determination, and now it is time to move toward an even greater tomorrow as a first-class city."
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