Mayor Cho: “Secure 300,000 Pyeong for Self-Sufficient Development in Segyo 3 District... Build Osan’s Future Growth Engine”

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Osan Mayor Cho Yongho is pushing to expand the self-sufficient development area in Segyo 3 District to as much as 300,000 pyeong. The plan aims to strengthen the city’s economic foundation by attracting businesses and creating jobs alongside housing. The city is also pursuing the growth of AI and semiconductor materials, parts and equipment industries, as well as the expansion of regional transport networks.

Osan City announced on October 24 that it would launch 10 strategic projects across transportation, industry, education, welfare and culture to realize the goal of its ninth elected administration: “Osan, a Growing City Built with Its Citizens.”

Mayor Cho said, “A city grows when key areas such as transportation, housing, industry, education and welfare are organically connected and continuously innovated. Over the next 1,000 days, I will turn into tangible results, one by one, the things I heard from citizens and promised them over the past 100 days.”

Osan Mayor Jo Yongho. Courtesy of Osan City.

Expanding Segyo 3 District’s Self-Sufficiency… Extending Regional Rail Networks

A key priority is to develop Segyo 3 District into a self-sufficient city combining housing, industry, transportation and jobs. The city is asking Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to expand the self-sufficient development area, currently planned at about 93,000 pyeong, to as much as 300,000 pyeong. It is also working to expand regional transport networks and essential amenities, including education, cultural and sports facilities.

The city plans to build a foundation for existing urban areas and new developments to grow together by linking Unamdeul AI City with high-tech industrial complexes. It will also focus on balanced development so that the benefits of development extend to surrounding commercial districts and the local economy.

In transportation, the city is pursuing major regional rail projects, including an extension of the Bundang Line from Giheung to Osan, a stop in Osan for the Suwon-bound KTX, and an extension of GTX-C to Osan. It is also seeking to introduce eco-friendly double-decker electric buses and add more buses during rush hour on routes 5104 to Seoul Station and 5300 and 1311 to Gangnam. The city plans to improve mobility by reorganizing local bus routes and carrying out major road projects.

Attracting AI and Semiconductor Companies and Developing Local Talent

The city will focus its efforts to foster future industries on AI and semiconductor materials, parts and equipment. Its strategy is to attract companies in these fields by leveraging its location near industrial hubs such as Dongtan in Hwaseong, Giheung in Yongin and Godeok in Pyeongtaek.

The city is preparing a bid for a specialized semiconductor materials, parts and equipment complex and pursuing the development of the Jiggot General Industrial Complex. It will support companies’ investment and settlement through a one-stop business support system under the mayor’s direct supervision. The city also plans to strengthen its industrial and research and development base by connecting Unamdeul AI City, Segyo 3 District and industrial complexes.

The city will also develop talent in line with businesses’ needs. It will establish an education infrastructure, including an AI-focused vocational high school with an integrated industry-academia model, and strengthen AI and software education as well as specialized programs linking elementary, middle and high schools. The goal is to create a system in which local talent trained in the area finds jobs or starts businesses at local companies.

Connecting Young Entrepreneurs with Vacant Stores… Strengthening Care and Everyday Safety

To support the local economy, the city will boost local spending through measures to promote the local currency Osaekjeon and stimulate consumption. It plans to strengthen the competitiveness of commercial districts by supporting delivery services at Osaek Market and young entrepreneurs. The city aims to address both vacant storefronts and job creation by connecting empty stores near Osan Station with young entrepreneurs.

In welfare, the city will expand its “Anytime Childcare” program and strengthen care for elementary school students. It will connect welfare, education and rehabilitation services through a welfare complex for people with disabilities, and establish an integrated care system linking medical care, long-term care and caregiving. The city also plans to reinforce public safety by expanding AI-based smart traffic systems, intelligent CCTV cameras and emergency call buttons.

The city will also create an urban forest garden trail and neighborhood gardens using areas such as Madeungsan and Pilbongsan. It will pursue climate action measures, including a green-building rating system for public buildings and a ban on single-use items at public facilities.

In tourism, the city will develop visitor experiences that encourage longer stays by linking Doksanseong Fortress, Semadae Site and Jukmiryeong Peace Park with Osancheon Stream, Mulhyanggi Arboretum and Osaek Market. It will also work to restore the Doksanseong Cultural Festival.

Osan Mayor Cho Yongho. Photo courtesy of Osan City.

“Today’s Choices Will Shape Osan 10 or 20 Years from Now”

The city plans to reflect feedback on transportation, parking, pedestrian environments and everyday safety, gathered through its “Mobile Mayor’s Office,” in its policies and budget, and to expand participatory budgeting.

In managing its finances, the city will reassess the necessity and feasibility of projects before allocating funds. It will also seek external funding through special grants, special adjustment grants, and government and Gyeonggi Province project competitions.

Mayor Cho Yongho said, “Osan’s great leap forward cannot be achieved through progress in just one area. We will make transportation more convenient, industry stronger, and education and welfare more comprehensive, so that the benefits of growth reach citizens in their everyday lives.”

He added, “With a sense of responsibility that today’s choices will determine Osan’s future 10 or 20 years from now, we will prepare for the future. We will lay a solid foundation for the city and connect opportunities for growth to citizens’ happiness, leaving a better Osan to the next generation. We will turn our promises to 270,000 citizens into results, one by one.”

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