Seong Su-seok, the mayor of Icheon, has outlined key initiatives for his administration, including the establishment of a semiconductor research complex, transportation hub development, and the attraction of a horse racing park, as he marks his 100th day in office.
The city of Icheon announced on October 6 that Mayor Seong has finalized a plan for 106 projects, including 79 campaign promises and 27 additional initiatives, totaling 1.4595 trillion won. This funding will be allocated by 2030, including previously invested amounts. The city aims to reduce financial burdens through securing national and provincial funds and attracting private investment, although specific funding details were not disclosed. The vision for the administration is 'Together with Citizens, Opening Icheon's Tomorrow.' The city has set four main goals: a city where children's dreams grow, a city that opens new opportunities for youth, a city that supports family stability, and a city where rural and local economies thrive.
The top priority is the '15 million square meter semiconductor research complex.' Mayor Seong acknowledged citizens' concerns that SK Hynix's direct investment in Icheon may be jeopardized as the Yongin semiconductor cluster accelerates.
The plan is to transform Icheon into a hub for research and development (R&D), materials, parts, and equipment, as well as a center for fabless semiconductor design companies. The site is under consideration near the Bupyeong transportation hub, with various options being evaluated between the Yongin cluster and SK Hynix's facilities in Icheon. The city plans to finalize the location after internal reviews.
To oversee the research complex, the establishment of the Icheon New Industry Promotion Center (ICON) is being pursued. ICON will focus on startup investment and development while fostering collaboration among businesses, research institutions, and universities.
In transportation, the city is working on the construction of urban planning roads between Jangnok and Yulhyeon, alleviating congestion in urban areas, and building pedestrian bridges over the Jangnok Stream. New and expanded express bus routes, as well as the introduction of smart buses and happy taxis, are also planned. The three transportation hubs in Bupyeong, Icheon, and Sindun Ceramic Village will be developed into a complex hub for semiconductor R&D, a high-density urban center for administration, culture, and housing, and a residential area combining ceramics, culture, and tourism.
The Icheon Urban Corporation, which will be responsible for transportation hub development, is set to launch in December 2027. The city emphasized that the core purpose of its establishment is to return 100% of development profits to citizens and the local community. The city acknowledged past delays in transitioning to a corporation due to difficulties in securing feasibility studies and is working to address this by restructuring project management and diversifying revenue sources.
The attraction of a horse racing park is also highlighted as a key initiative. The city anticipates that securing the park could generate hundreds of billions of won in local tax revenue, create thousands of jobs, and attract millions of visitors annually. The city cites its advantageous transportation conditions, with the intersection of the Central, Yeongdong, and Gwangju-Wonju expressways, as a justification for the project.
Additionally, in the agricultural sector, the city plans to establish a high-tech agricultural and livestock distribution center, attract a flower distribution center for the metropolitan area, and set up the Icheon Rural Regeneration Support Center, while providing 100% support for eco-friendly certification and consulting costs.
In education, the city is committed to doubling the budget for support for elementary, middle, and high school education, introducing specialized education in artificial intelligence (AI) and software (SW), and pursuing the establishment of a graduate school focused on semiconductors, while also exploring the possibility of attracting science high schools and international schools. In the welfare sector, the city is working on the establishment of the Icheon Moonlight Children's Hospital.
Mayor Seong stated, "The position of mayor is not just about exercising authority but is a responsibility to make citizens' lives more comfortable and prosperous. I will ensure that the promises I made are realized as visible achievements without any setbacks."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.