Daejeon, South Korea - On March 25, 2025, during the 'Culture Policy Forum 2025' held at the National Assembly Hall, Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo and South Chungcheong Governor Kim Tae-heum made a compelling case for the administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungnam (South Chungcheong Province), positing it as a strategic initiative vital for enhancing national competitiveness and preparing for the next century of South Korea.
Mayor Lee characterized this merger as more than just an administrative restructuring. "The integration of Daejeon and Chungnam is not merely a simple administrative reorganization but a challenge to strengthen national competitiveness and prepare for the next 100 years of South Korea," he stated, echoing a sentiment aimed at fostering a national consensus about the urgency of this initiative.
The forum, co-hosted by Congressman Seong Il-jong and attended by approximately 300 participants, including local administrators and experts in balanced development, focused on discussing the future path of Korea through the lens of Daejeon-Chungnam integration.
In his remarks, Mayor Lee revisited the historical significance of both regions, noting how Daejeon became the administrative center when the Chungnam provincial government relocated there over a century ago. This shift catalyzed the city's growth into a leading hub for science and innovation in South Korea, buoyed by advancements in transportation infrastructure and significant research facilities like the Daedeok Research Complex.
However, he cautioned that metropolitan over-concentration and the looming threat of regional extinction present substantial challenges. "In the face of these realities, it is difficult to expect revitalization and a leap forward with a system where Daejeon and Chungnam are further fragmented," he warned. He emphasized that the two regions already operate as a single living area with closely intertwined economies, science sectors, and administrative functionalities, advocating for an institutional integration to maximize the synergy effects across these domains.
Governor Kim echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential benefits of merging the two regions. "We must overcome the metropolitan area's concentration and broaden the playing field called South Korea. By forming a second economic hub with a population of approximately 3.6 million and a regional gross domestic product (GRDP) of 190 trillion won, we must aim to compete globally with major cities like San Francisco and Osaka," he declared. This ambitious plan for the 'Daejeon Chungnam Special City' aims to create a metropolitan area comparable in scale to Busan and ranked favorably among European regions.
If the integration is successful, it is anticipated that the merged regions will boast a population of 3.57 million and a GRDP of 197 trillion won, positioning the new megacity as the third-largest in South Korea. This would notably surpass Busan, marking a significant leap toward achieving international recognition, with the potential to rank 32nd in population and 23rd in GRDP among 49 European countries.
To realize this vision, Mayor Lee proposed a robust plan for local government restructuring that includes transferring budgetary and administrative powers to facilitate a quasi-federal model at the local level. He asserted, "If Daejeon's science and technology capabilities and Chungnam's industrial infrastructure are combined, it will be possible to create a new growth engine for South Korea," indicating a collaborative effort to leverage resources effectively.
Furthermore, both leaders presented a detailed three-axis development strategy—encompassing the Daejeon area, northern area, and western area—to ensure balanced development throughout the newly formed special city. This approach will focus on creating broad economic zones, establishing comprehensive infrastructure, and developing an integrated transportation network, fostering a multi-faceted economic landscape.
The integration is framed as not just an administrative change but a necessary strategic initiative for South Korea. Mayor Lee concluded with a call to action, stating, "The integration of Daejeon and Chungnam is a national strategy that will change the future of South Korea and mark the beginning of a new era where the region becomes a focal point of renewal. It is time for action, and I will work with citizens to make this vision a reality."
With strong political support and a robust plan in place, the integration of Daejeon and Chungnam could redefine the region's economic landscape, setting a precedent for future collaborations in South Korea.
