Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo: "Daejeon's Population Growth Is the Pinnacle of All Administrative Achievements Over the Past Three Years"

"Daejeon and the Chungcheong Region Must Serve as Key Hubs to Alleviate Metropolitan Overconcentration"

Photo by Daejeon City Provided

Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo stated, "The increase in Daejeon's population is the pinnacle of all administrative achievements over the past three years," and emphasized, "Daejeon and the Chungcheong region must serve as key hubs to alleviate the overconcentration in the Seoul metropolitan area."

At the first expanded executive meeting of the year held on January 6, Mayor Lee highlighted the population turnaround as the greatest achievement of the city administration during the past three years of the 8th popularly elected term. He added that in 2026, the city will focus its administrative capabilities on stabilizing municipal administration and advancing key pending issues.

Mayor Lee remarked, "Reversing the outflow of population that had continued since the launch of Sejong City, and achieving a net population increase last year, was thanks to the dedication of Daejeon’s public officials." He further stressed, "The fact that 60% of the incoming population is young people under the age of 39 is an indicator of Daejeon's future competitiveness."

Daejeon's population grew by 1,572 people over the course of 2025. The significance is further underscored by the fact that Daejeon recorded the highest population growth among all non-metropolitan cities nationwide last year.

Photo by Daejeon City Provided

Mayor Lee assessed, "Population growth is the culmination of all administrative achievements in Daejeon's economy, culture, welfare, science, and environment over the past three years."

He diagnosed the concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area as a national crisis, stating, "The main reasons for the decline in marriage and birth rates among young people are the housing and transportation burdens in the metropolitan area." He reiterated, "Daejeon and the Chungcheong region must play a key role in alleviating metropolitan congestion."

This aligns with the emphasis on "authority rather than formality" in the administrative integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province.

Mayor Lee stated, "The essence of integration lies in securing independent authority that enables local autonomy and international competitiveness," and made it clear, "If the integration plan undermines authority, we may consider a resident referendum to seek citizens' opinions."

He added, "Our goal is to secure authority equivalent to that of U.S. state governments," and pledged to maintain this principle during consultations with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and related agencies.

Mayor Lee envisions forming a metropolitan area encompassing Geumsan, Nonsan, Gyeryong, Buyeo, Seocheon, Gongju, and Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province, aiming to generate synergy in transportation, industry, and housing policies through economies of scale.

At the same time, he will accelerate efforts to stabilize city administration and advance key issues.

First, regarding measures to support small business owners and revitalize the economy, the city plans to provide ultra-low interest financial support and promptly disburse subsidies starting in January to assist small business owners struggling due to the economic downturn.

Additionally, to share the achievements of Daejeon's listed companies with citizens, the city will promote the "Daejeon Listed Companies Index" and regularly collaborate with the media to release it.

The "Daejeon Listed Companies Index" is an economic indicator designed to intuitively convey the local economy and corporate value to citizens, serving as a barometer of the health and growth potential of the regional industrial ecosystem.

Photo by Daejeon City Provided

The city will also strengthen the linkage of culture, tourism, and youth policies.

In the culture and tourism sector, the goal is to establish the "Midnight Festival" as a global event and expand its positive impact from the original downtown to the entire city of Daejeon.

The Yuseong Complex Terminal is scheduled for its official opening at the end of January, which is expected to have a positive effect on the local economy overall by revitalizing surrounding commercial areas and creating jobs through improved public transportation connections.

Regarding youth policy, Mayor Lee stated, "Policies on marriage, childbirth, childcare, education, and employment must be organically connected," and called for the implementation of practical policies that young people can truly experience.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed the "citizen-centered administrative principle" for the entire operation of urban railways, transportation systems, and public facilities, and instructed the development of innovative measures to expand citizen use.

Mayor Lee declared, "Since 2026 will be a year with major issues such as local elections and administrative integration, I will do my utmost to ensure stable and responsible city administration so that the achievements of the past three years can continue without disruption."