1. Research goals and methods
❚ Research goals
￮ This study aims to realign the roadmap for the Saemangeum Master Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”) and develop key strategic measures that must be taken at the Jeonbuk State level.
￮ Additionally, it seeks to explore mid- to long-term business promotion measures and policy options that would ensure sustainable business attraction and lay a solid foundation for the revitalization of Saemangeum projects, thus helping Jeonbuk State and its administrative units effectively navigate the strategic realignment of the Plan.
￮ This study advises Jeonbuk State on how to adjust and streamline its existing projects with a focus on promoting businesses and R&D in the Saemangeum area, revitalizing tourism, and improving settlement conditions, while also proposing new projects.
❚ Research methods
￮ We reviewed regional statutory plans including the existing Plan and metropolitan infrastructure initiatives as well as higher-level plans such as the Comprehensive National Land Plan and the Decentralization and Balanced Development Master Plan.
￮ We also examined major laws and guidelines related to the implementation of Saemangeum projects, including the Special Act on Promotion and Support for the Saemangeum Project, the National Land Planning and Utilization Act, the Jeonbuk Self-Governing Province Act, and the National Finance Act.
￮ We sought expert advice on the proposed strategic realignment of the Plan to derive key sector-specific issues and formulate corresponding response strategies.
￮ We conducted interviews and meetings with officials from Jeonbuk State local government, as well as its cities and counties, to review the latest progress on their respective preparedness for the strategic realignment of the Plan.
2. Conclusions and policy recommendations
❚ Projects proposed by Jeonbuk State and its administrative units for their strategic realignment of the Plan (2025)
￮ Two cities and one county in the Saemangeum region have proposed a total of 50 projects (Gunsan City: 29, Gimje City: 8, and Buan Country: 13), while Jeonbuk State has proposed 35 projects covering tourism policy planning, SOC logistics, water quality, and agricultural food.
❚ Six core initiatives for the strategic realignment of the Plan from a mid- to long-term perspective
￮ Collaboration with Jeonbuk State for a win-win situation: 1) Securing connectivity and consistency in facilitating the creation of the “global life economy city,”the vision of Jeonbuk State, 2) establishing public transportation networks with neighboring regions, and 3) designating the Saemangeum metropolitan area and expanding it by adding surrounding administrative units, including Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan, for synergistic development
￮ Establishing Saemangeum as a national and regional hub: 1) Specifying the integral role of Saemangeum not only as a national hub in the super-metropolitan network but also as a regional hub spearheading the initiative to deliver win-win outcomes in cooperation with Jeonbuk State and neighboring regions, and 2) adding value to the existing land use plans by incorporating the stage-specific development of Saemangeum and potential future demands
￮ Future city planning centered on settlement conditions: 1) Refining and promoting the blueprint for the future of Saemangeum, 2) specifying the construction of a next-generation smart city (e.g., promoting pilot projects), 3) constructing infrastructure for new transportation methods such as advanced air mobility, and 4) devising population inflow-driven urban revitalization strategies
￮ Balanced urban development: 1) Developing land supply plans linked to the supply of industrial land, 2) highlighting Saemangeum’s functional roles, such as that of a residential area, and differentiating its key functions, 3) creating competitive settlement conditions (e.g., residential comfort, the ecological environment, leisure culture, and educational infrastructure), and 4) securing sustainable urban services
￮ Realigning the role of the Plan and supplementing implementation systems: 1) Presenting the mid- to long-term vision and strategies for Saemangeum projects and creating more effective and sophisticated roadmaps as well as related guidelines and action plans, 2) strengthening the role of Jeonbuk State by introducing Jeonbuk-specific special provisions, and 3) specifying the role of Jeonbuk State as a national hub in the super-metropolitan network
￮ Stage-specific goals and feasible roadmaps: 1) Creating a specific timetable for infrastructure construction, encompassing SOC as well as water and power supply networks, 2) setting development indicators and presenting stage-specific goals for stages such as land reclamation, infrastructure development, and settlement, and 3) formulating sustainable resource investment strategies and enhancing the effectiveness and validity of the Plan from an investment perspective
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