Mayor Lee Choongwoo: "Revitalizing the Old Downtown and Growing Semiconductors to Lead Yeoju's Self-Sustaining Transformation"

[Interview with the Ninth-Term Local Government Head] Lee Choongwoo, Mayor of Yeoju
"First approval is 'Revitalizing the Old Downtown'... Making a City Where People Gather"
"Transforming Yeoju into the Core City of Eastern Metropolitan Area with Ganam Semiconductor Complex and GTX"
"Innovation in Industry, Tourism, and Transportation... Preparing for Yeoju’s Next 100 Years"
"A City Where Young People Return... Expanding Quality Employment Opportunities"

"The future of Yeoju depends on change and challenges. From revitalizing the old downtown to building a semiconductor industry foundation, expanding the metropolitan transportation network, and developing a stay-type tourism city, we will steadily pursue projects that enhance urban competitiveness to deliver growth that citizens can truly feel."

In an interview with The Asia Business Daily, Lee Choongwoo, Mayor of Yeoju, stated, "We will not settle for the history and natural environment that Yeoju possesses, but will create a city that is attractive for corporate investment and livable for citizens, aiming to become a new growth hub in the eastern metropolitan area."

Lee Choongwoo, Mayor of Yeoju City, has identified the core tasks of the ninth local administration as downtown urban regeneration, fostering high-tech industries, expanding the metropolitan transportation network, and advancing the tourism industry. His vision is to turn the regulatory limitations of the Natural Conservation Zone into opportunities for growth and to complete a self-sustaining city where industry, residential life, and tourism are harmoniously integrated.

In an interview with The Asia Business Daily, Mayor Lee emphasized, "We will not settle for Yeoju's history and natural environment, but create a city that is attractive for corporate investment and livable for citizens, aiming to become a new growth hub in the eastern metropolitan area."

He noted, "The revitalization of the old downtown, development of a semiconductor industrial complex, and expansion of transportation networks such as the GTX project are not separate initiatives but part of a unified growth strategy to enhance urban competitiveness. During the ninth administration, we will focus on delivering change and achievements that citizens can directly experience." The following is a Q&A with Mayor Lee.

-As your first approval in the ninth administration, you pushed for the revitalization of the old downtown. What is your vision for urban regeneration?

"Yeoju City developed a 'Master Plan for Old Downtown Revitalization' by the end of 2024 to prepare for urban changes such as station area development and the construction of a new city hall. Based on this, we are promoting downtown regeneration projects through phased strategies involving attracting visitors, bringing in new inflows, establishing connections, and ensuring expansion. On the site of the former Jeil Market, we plan to build a public complex building, including a communal parking facility. Through the Namhan River Terrace Project, we will both expand leisure spaces for citizens and revitalize the local commercial district. Additionally, by linking cultural and tourism infrastructure projects such as the Gyeonggi Silk Cultural Space, the Citizen Aol Center, and the Changdong Food Alley, we intend to transform the old downtown into a vibrant space that attracts both citizens and tourists to stay and visit."

On the 1st, the inauguration day of the 9th term of the elected mayor, Lee Choongwoo, opened the 'Agricultural Specialty Products Promotion Center' inside the Agricultural Technology Center building to the citizens for the first time. Provided by Yeoju City

-What is your strategy for connecting large-scale projects, such as the new city hall construction and the Ganam Semiconductor Industrial Complex, to revitalize the local economy?

"Yeoju City has long faced significant obstacles in attracting businesses and developing its industries due to metropolitan natural conservation area regulations. Nonetheless, in search of new growth opportunities even within these constraints, we are pushing forward the development of 16 general industrial complexes across the Ganam, Jeomdong, and Gangcheon areas. In particular, the Ganam Semiconductor Industrial Complex is a key initiative that will reshape Yeoju’s future industrial landscape. The planned development, integrating five industrial complexes in the Ganam area over 270,000 square meters, received approval from the Metropolitan Area Planning Committee, making it the first large-scale industrial aggregation case within the natural conservation area of the metropolitan region. Moving forward, we will ensure the necessary infrastructure for businesses settling in the complex is built without delay and will communicate actively with prospective companies, focusing on attracting investment and strengthening industrial competitiveness. Our goal is for industrial complexes to serve not merely as production spaces but as centers for creating quality jobs and revitalizing the local economy. We will also link the development of the Buk-Yeoju IC logistics complex, Daesin logistics complex, the new city hall, and station area development to create an urban structure where industry and residential environments grow together."

-What are your plans for expanding the metropolitan transportation network, including the construction of Gangcheon Station and connection to the GTX?

"Building an extensive transportation network is a critical task for Yeoju to grow as part of the greater metropolitan area and achieve balanced development. Establishing Gangcheon Station, in particular, is an essential project for improving transportation convenience and furthering the development of the local community. Yeoju City has been working continuously with relevant agencies regarding this initiative. In February, I met with the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to explain the need for the establishment of Gangcheon Station and request support. In June, we also discussed the project's direction and next steps with the National Railway Authority. We will maintain close cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and other relevant bodies to focus our administrative efforts on making this project a reality. Connecting the GTX-D line to Yeoju is also a major priority. As the fifth National Railway Network Construction Plan is being finalized, we will work actively to ensure that the GTX-D line is included in the final plan and thoroughly prepare for subsequent steps. Expanding the transportation network is more than simply improving convenience for movement; it is a growth foundation that attracts companies, drives population inflow, and leads to balanced regional development. We will continue our efforts to transform Yeoju into a new transportation hub in the eastern metropolitan area."

-What is your strategy for turning the Namhan River into a tourism resource to boost the local commercial district through tourism support?

"Yeoju City is focusing on building a stay-type tourism city so that tourism is not simply a matter of increasing visitor numbers, but also leads to revitalizing the local economy. The Namhan River Suspension Bridge, which opened last year, surpassed 1 million visitors within just over a month of its opening. Likewise, the Yeoju Ceramic Festival has attracted more than 1 million tourists for two consecutive years, establishing itself as one of Yeoju’s leading tourism assets. Now, it is important to create an environment where tourists not only visit but also stay and spend. To this end, we are expanding tourism infrastructure around the suspension bridge, and have established the 'Yeoju Travel Center' within the Silleuksa Tourism Complex, combining tourism information and accommodation functions. In addition, on the southern side of the suspension bridge, we are promoting the construction of a condominium with 80 guest rooms and commercial and cultural spaces through private investment. Going forward, by connecting Namhan River tourism resources with the local commercial sector, we aim to establish a virtuous cycle where tourism leads to job creation and increased income. Our goal is to transform Yeoju from a place that tourists simply pass through into a leading metropolitan destination where visitors stay and return."

Lee Choongwoo, Mayor of Yeoju, attended the "Meeting with Residents of Geumsa-myeon" on the 14th and exchanged handshakes with the residents. Photo by Yeoju City

-What employment policies are in place to make Yeoju a place where young people return and settle?

"The core of encouraging young people to settle is securing stable jobs and laying the foundations for quality living. Yeoju City is creating quality jobs and building city infrastructure that enables young people to stay by developing advanced industrial complexes and attracting companies. We are also supporting youth through the operation of a Youth Activity Support Center, assistance for startups, and support across housing, welfare, and cultural spheres to help facilitate stable lives. In the ninth administration, plans are in place to expand practical support programs, such as short-term work experience for youth, rent support for young entrepreneurs, and monthly rent assistance for young adults. In the agricultural sector, we are enhancing foundational support for young farmers to take root in Yeoju by providing settlement support for next-generation farmers and assistance for purchasing agricultural machines. Furthermore, by linking shared kitchens, local food, and rural experience programs, we will revitalize rural communities and work to increase local income. The goal is not for Yeoju to be a city from which young people leave, but one where they return seeking opportunity and carve out their futures with family."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.