As the establishment of a regional transportation network in the southwest region becomes a key issue following the launch of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, there are calls for the Mokpo Station transfer center project to be directly managed by the integrated special city rather than being left solely to the local government of Mokpo.
In particular, since the Mokpo Station transfer center has been included as a new project in the government's mid- to long-term construction plan, there is a demand for a swift determination of the project implementation body and financial contribution methods, along with a concrete timeline for execution.
Gyeongseong-chan, a member of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council (Democratic Party, Mokpo 2), emphasized the need to promote the Mokpo Station transfer center as a core project for regional transportation during a recent session of the council on administrative and educational questions.
He highlighted that the Mokpo Station transfer center is not just a local transportation facility but a critical infrastructure directly linked to the mobility rights of residents in the southwest region, including Muan, Yeongam, Sinan, Haenam, and Jindo.
"The true purpose of the integrated special city is not merely the unification of administrative districts but to ensure that all citizens, regardless of where they live, can move conveniently and enjoy equal transportation benefits," he stated. "The Mokpo Station transfer center is a practical regional transportation system connecting residents of the southwest region and all citizens of the special city, so the integrated city must take responsibility in this matter."
Gyeongseong-chan also referenced Mayor Min Hyung-bae's transportation commitments, demanding responsible implementation from the administration.
Mayor Min has pledged to develop Mokpo Station, Suncheon Station, and Gwangju Songjeong Station as three major transfer hubs and to establish a '10-30-60 living zone transportation system.'
Gyeongseong-chan pointed out that for these commitments to translate into actual policy, the integrated special city must become more actively involved in the transfer center project that Mokpo has been pursuing.
He remarked, "The establishment of the Mokpo Station transfer center is also part of Mayor Min's commitments. It is now time for the special city to clarify what responsibilities it will take on and how it will lead the project."
This call for action reflects a demand for concrete answers regarding who will implement the project and how funding will be secured, beyond just a consensus on the necessity of the project.
Mokpo Station serves as a major transportation hub in the southwest region, capable of connecting various modes of transport, including rail and bus services. If the transfer center is developed, improving the connectivity and convenience of transfers between different transportation modes will be a significant challenge.
However, Gyeongseong-chan expressed concerns that if the project is solely pursued by Mokpo, there will be considerable challenges related to financial burdens, coordination with relevant agencies, and establishing the project implementation body.
In response, Deputy Mayor Hwang Gi-yeon stated that they would comprehensively review the project implementation procedures and financial contribution issues.
Deputy Mayor Hwang said, "The Mokpo Station transfer center project is planned to proceed in the order of establishing a development plan, conducting detailed design, and construction. We will thoroughly examine the project implementation body and financial contribution issues, considering the operational methods and equity with other regional projects."
He added, "We will also actively consider support, advice, and financial contributions at the special city level."
However, the response did not definitively address whether the integrated special city would directly implement the project, the specific financial contribution ratio, or the timeline for construction.
As a result, the division of roles among the integrated special city, Mokpo, and relevant agencies, as well as securing stable funding, are expected to be key issues in the future project implementation process.
Gyeongseong-chan emphasized that the establishment of the Mokpo Station transfer center is not just about expanding transportation facilities but is also crucial for securing balanced development and a growth foundation for the southwest region.
He stated, "The success of the Mokpo Station transfer center is not merely about constructing a building; it is a key task to guarantee the mobility rights of southwest residents and connect opportunities for future regional growth. If the integrated special city aims to establish the southwest region as a new growth axis, it must prove this through responsible execution, not just words."
Meanwhile, the Mokpo Station transfer center is a project that Mokpo has been pursuing since 2024, focusing on basic planning and feasibility studies. After consultations with relevant agencies, it was included as a new project in the 'Fourth Basic Plan for Transfer Centers and Complex Transfer Centers (2026-2030)' announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in August this year. However, inclusion in the basic plan does not immediately guarantee funding or construction confirmation, necessitating further clarification on the project implementation body, funding procurement, and phased execution timelines.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.