Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun announced plans to establish a long-term cooperation framework with Japan's Nara Prefecture, linking natural and cultural heritage to create a new model for local diplomacy.
A comprehensive roadmap to support large-scale corporate investments in the Chungnam region, focusing on power, water, and workforce, will be unveiled by the end of this month.
On July 29, Governor Park held a press conference at the Chungnam Provincial Office, where he discussed key policy issues, including exchanges with Nara Prefecture, the construction of the Jicheon Dam, the second relocation of public institutions from the metropolitan area, the attraction of a consolidated headquarters for power generation companies, and the relocation of the Forest Resources Research Institute to Cheongyang.
"We aim for substantial cooperation, not just one-time exchanges."
Governor Park emphasized the direction of exchanges with Nara Prefecture, stating, "Japan possesses cultural heritage, while Chungnam has natural heritage. This presents an opportunity for both regions to share the value of their heritage and develop together. We will establish long-term and practical cooperation measures beyond mere friendly exchanges."
He added, "When diplomatic relations between central governments become strained, exchanges and cooperation between local governments can serve as a catalyst for improving relations between countries. I want to develop the exchanges between Chungnam and Nara into a model of local diplomacy."
Chungnam and Nara Prefecture have maintained exchanges in culture, education, and tourism since signing a friendship cooperation agreement in 2011. To mark the 15th anniversary of the agreement, the two regions plan to promote academic exchanges centered on world heritage, cultural and tourism cooperation, and joint content development.
Regarding the infrastructure needed for large-scale corporate investments in Chungnam, the governor announced that a detailed action plan from a regional task force will be released by the end of the month.
Governor Park stated, "We have formed a regional task force led by the Deputy Governor. We will create a comprehensive roadmap on how to secure power, water, and workforce."
The roadmap will analyze the scale of power, water, and workforce needed for corporate investments and present the supply conditions in Chungnam along with future expansion plans.
However, he noted, "At this stage, it is difficult to guarantee the accuracy of all figures and plans. We will continuously refine our plans in line with changes in investment scale and industrial conditions."
On the contentious issue of the Jicheon Dam construction, Governor Park reaffirmed his commitment to fully accept the decisions of the public discourse committee.
He stated, "While I have a clear personal opinion on the Jicheon Dam, I am firmly committed to accepting the committee's decision 100%. The governor should not interfere in the committee's discussions."
He added, "The information and conditions that the public discourse committee needs to review may change before and after the announcement of large-scale corporate investment plans centered on AI and semiconductors. However, for everyone to accept the outcome, the discourse process must be conducted fairly, transparently, and neutrally."
Governor Park also mentioned that he has requested the government to ensure the neutral and transparent operation of the public discourse committee.
"The sacrifices made during the construction of Sejong City must be reflected in the relocation of public institutions."
Regarding the second relocation of public institutions from the metropolitan area, he argued that the sacrifices made by Chungnam during the establishment of Sejong City should be considered in the government's relocation criteria.
Governor Park stated, "Chungnam has contributed land, population, and tax revenue to support the national policy of establishing Sejong City as the administrative capital. We have made sacrifices akin to losing an arm, but current policymakers seem unaware of this history."
He continued, "The government demands that the second relocation logic focus on synergy with the first relocated public institutions, but Chungnam has no record of the first relocation, making it impossible to explain synergy. We should not apply mechanical criteria like those used for other innovation cities."
He emphasized that the Chungnam Innovation City has not seen any public institution relocations in the six years since its designation and that the second relocation should provide new development opportunities for Naepo New Town and Chungnam Innovation City.
Governor Park also expressed his intention to actively advocate for the relocation of public institutions and local issues to political figures visiting Chungnam, regardless of their affiliations or tendencies.
"Attracting a consolidated headquarters for power generation companies should focus on future competitiveness, not just compensation."
On the attraction of a consolidated headquarters for power generation companies, he stated that Chungnam would emphasize its competitiveness as a center for future energy transition, in addition to the sacrifices made due to coal-fired power generation.
Governor Park remarked, "Chungnam has supported national industrial development through coal-fired power generation for the past 40 years, enduring significant sacrifices. However, we should not limit ourselves to a compensation argument for the consolidated headquarters."
He added, "In the Chungnam West Coast, new energy policies and projects in 14 areas, including renewable energy and alternative industries, are being promoted. We will advocate for Chungnam West Coast to become the center of South Korea's future energy transition."
However, he clarified that the success of Chungnam's energy transition policies should not be equated with the outcome of attracting the consolidated headquarters.
Governor Park stated, "The arrival of the consolidated headquarters will not solve all problems at once, nor will its absence lead to the collapse of Chungnam's energy industry base. We will do our best to attract it while approaching the broader context of energy transition and alternative industries with calmness and confidence."
He also outlined plans to secure regional hub functions by utilizing existing power generation infrastructure in Taean, Boryeong, and Dangjin, even if the consolidated headquarters is established in another region.
Regarding the relocation of the Forest Resources Research Institute to Cheongyang, he confirmed that the plan would proceed without any setbacks.
Governor Park stated, "Chungnam Province and Cheongyang County are discussing necessary arrangements, including cost-sharing, and related procedures are progressing smoothly. We will soon finalize a specific schedule and sign a memorandum of understanding with the Cheongyang County Mayor."
On noise issues raised around the planned relocation site, he acknowledged it as a practical matter that needs to be resolved, reiterating, "We will clearly push forward with the relocation of the Forest Resources Research Institute to Cheongyang."
"The distinctiveness of the 9th elected administration lies in continuity, not disruption."
Regarding the retention of the previous administration's slogan, "Strong Chungnam," he emphasized the importance of continuity and practicality in governance.
Governor Park Soo-hyun stated, "Changing all existing signs and policies just because the governor has changed is not true distinctiveness. True change comes from inheriting successful policies and improving the inadequate ones to achieve tangible results."
He explained that the philosophy of the 9th elected administration, "Communicating Chungnam," focuses on creating real communication and change in administrative practices rather than simply adopting a new slogan.
In response to some criticisms of performative actions, he remarked, "If there are criticisms that this is a show, it may indeed be a show, but if we continue this for four years, we will ultimately be evaluated sincerely."
Governor Park also addressed attempts to categorize him within a specific political faction, stating, "I have never operated within a specific lineage while engaging in politics."
He concluded, "Regardless of their affiliations, I will warmly welcome anyone visiting Chungnam for the benefit and future of the region, and I will actively convey local issues and the demands of residents. The criteria for judgment will not be based on specific politicians or factions, but on the interests and development of Chungnam."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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