Facebook: "Welcomes the Announcement"
Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport to Fully Launch
On January 16, Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "I welcome the government's clear commitment to shifting from a Seoul metropolitan area-centered growth model to one led by the provinces," adding, "I hope that administrative integration will serve as the signal flare for the true beginning of the local era."
Through his Facebook page that day, Governor Lee said, "Since 2020, Daegu and Gyeongbuk have been the first and most proactive regions in the country to initiate discussions on administrative integration. Currently, various special provisions being discussed between the government and the Chungcheong and Honam regions are also based on the special law provisions originally prepared for the Daegu-Gyeongbuk integration." He continued, "However, we have made it clear that we will address this issue only after first confirming the transfer of governmental authority and finances, as well as concrete measures for balanced regional development."
Governor Lee went on to say, "Because the devil is in the details. Based on past experience, even if there is consensus on the overall direction, when it comes to concretizing specific special provisions, there have been many cases where resistance from central government officials has caused the process to fall through." He pointed out, "Unless there are actual functioning systems and financial resources in place, administrative integration could end up as just another declaration. In this context, the government's recent announcement should also be scrutinized carefully for its substance and practical implications."
He further emphasized, "The key issue is the nature of financial support. If the '5 trillion won annually, 20 trillion won over four years' announced by the government is simply to cover operating and project expenses related to the transfer of authority and work to the provinces, the impact of integration will be limited. If operating and project expenses are provided as before, and an additional comprehensive grant of 20 trillion won is allocated to enable the provinces to take on new challenges for the future of the entire region, only then can administrative integration become a decisive opportunity for regional development."
Governor Lee Cheolwoo stated, "If the government makes such a bold decision, Daegu and Gyeongbuk will be able to fully launch the construction of the integrated new airport with the 20 trillion won, expand globally, develop the former Daegu site and revitalize the old city center, make large-scale investments for balanced development in northern Gyeongbuk and other areas, comprehensively develop the East Coast region, which is a jewel of Korea, connect the entire Daegu-Gyeongbuk area with a rail network, and simultaneously pursue future projects to foster new industries such as AI, bio, robotics, and advanced manufacturing."
He concluded, "If 20 trillion won is provided, Daegu and Gyeongbuk will have sufficient reason and momentum to move forward with administrative integration. First, we will demand clear confirmation from the government regarding the authenticity and specifics of this announcement, and whether it truly paves the way for a genuine leap forward for the provinces. If it is confirmed that the content is acceptable even to challenging areas such as northern Gyeongbuk, then we intend to begin serious discussions on administrative integration together with city and county governments, the provincial council, Daegu City, and all local residents."
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