Chungnam Invests 7 Trillion Won in Public Architecture... 'Two-Track' Strategy to Expand Timber Use and Enhance Quality

396 Projects Underway
Eco-Friendly Transition Across Education, Welfare, Culture, and Sports

Aerial View of the Uigoseun Cultural Garden / Chungnam Province

Chungnam Province is accelerating its transition to eco-friendly practices by making large-scale investments in public architecture that directly impacts the daily lives of its residents.

The province and its 15 cities and counties are currently pursuing 396 public architecture projects, with a total project budget approaching 7 trillion won. A "two-track strategy" is being implemented in earnest, simultaneously expanding the use of timber and enhancing construction quality.

According to Chungnam Province on January 21, as of this month, there are a total of 396 public architecture projects in the fields of education, welfare, culture, and sports being promoted by the province and its 15 cities and counties, with a total project budget of 6.9725 trillion won.

By budget size, the province itself leads with 1.8588 trillion won, followed by Cheonan City with 703.8 billion won and Seosan City with 683 billion won. In terms of the number of projects, Seosan City has the most with 40, while the province and Cheongyang County are each pursuing 35 projects.

By project stage, 106 are in the architectural planning phase, 103 are in the design phase, and 187 projects are either under construction or have entered the construction contract process.

In 2024, the province established the Department of Architecture and Urban Affairs to centrally manage previously dispersed public architecture work. Starting this year, the department will directly oversee the functions of the Public Architecture Support Center, further strengthening its comprehensive role across planning, design, and construction.

The province plans to involve 41 private sector experts in public architecture projects to enhance project quality and to reflect the diverse needs of residents from the design stage by expanding private sector participation.

The province also aims to increase the use of timber in public buildings to contribute to achieving its 2045 carbon neutrality goal.

Currently, three locations in Yesan-Gwangsi, Daeheung, and Eungbong-selected for the "Public Architecture Timber Utilization Support Project" will complete design work this year and begin construction.

The "Urban Live Together" project, Chungnam’s public rental housing initiative, will feature child care centers and libraries built with timber structures, as well as outdoor spaces utilizing timber. The first project in the Naepo area is scheduled for completion within the year.

In Gongju and Buyeo, the province will continue to promote the preservation of historical and cultural environments and the expansion of traditional timber architecture through the creation of hanok complexes and projects to restore the image of the ancient Baekje capital.

This year, the province also plans to identify two additional locations for the timber utilization public architecture support project, further expanding timber use across both traditional and modern architecture.

Moon Seokjun, Director of the Department of Architecture and Urban Affairs, stated, "We will enhance the quality of public architecture so that residents can enjoy comfortable and refined spaces in their daily lives," adding, "By providing training for staff and sharing best practices, we will strengthen the competitiveness of public architecture in Chungnam Province."