Jung Gwan-hee "Suwon Must Add Two More Districts Before Metropolitan City Status"

―Regarding the demand for simultaneous construction of Shinbundang Line extension.
▲It should absolutely proceed with simultaneous construction. The Shinbundang Line was originally planned to connect from Kyonggi University to the Provincial Police Agency, but it was transferred to the Small and Medium Business Administration. Since then, Kyonggi University has been requesting a station installation. The Shinbundang Line will connect from Maetan-dong to Yeongdong. We must expand the subway network connecting Pajang-dong and Jeongja-dong via Jidaegae Pass from Indeokwon and Pyeongchon, ensuring benefits for residents of Jangan-gu.

―Your stance on promoting Suwon as a metropolitan city.
▲Two years ago when I ran for Suwon mayor, relocation of the airfield was a campaign pledge. If the airfield remains in place, Suwon, Osan, and Hwaseong will all suffer damage. We must relocate the airfield near the West Coast and consolidate Suwon, Hwaseong, and Osan into a metropolitan city. A metropolitan city with only land cannot grow; it must have access to the sea. Suwon should also add two more districts and upgrade to metropolitan status by merging with Hwaseong and Osan.

―What about the issue of relocating Suwon Airfield?
▲The airfield causes damage to both Osan and Suwon. In the past, I raised the opinion that it should be relocated to Hwaseong's coastal area. Therefore, when upgrading to metropolitan status, we must integrate with Hwaseong and others. Before the relocation of US military bases to Pyeongtek was decided, I also proposed creating a foreign special economic zone by establishing various infrastructure facilities such as schools in Omokcheon-dong, similar to Hannam-dong in Seoul, to revitalize the local economy. The airfield must be relocated.

―What are ways to invigorate small merchants and traditional markets.
▲As large distributors have entered Suwon, traditional markets and some distribution outlets are experiencing stagnation. We must create public parking lots at traditional markets like Jidong and Yeongdong Markets, as well as at Pajang, Jowon, and Yeong-hwa-dong Turtle Markets to ensure no inconvenience to residents. Traditional markets are suffering tremendous damage as apartment complexes hold bargain markets every week. The government seems to be nurturing unlicensed businesses. If traditional market merchants enter apartment bargain markets, both the merchants and residents would benefit.

―How should the KT&G Manufacturing Plant site in Jeongja-dong be utilized.
▲I oppose the opinion that we must simply create a park without alternatives. The KT&G site belongs neither to Suwon city nor Gyeonggi Province. At over 10 million won per 3.3 square meters, the city lacks finances to purchase it. There could be options such as building apartments on half the site and using the profits to purchase other land. Suwon has well-established sports infrastructure, and constructing a domed baseball stadium on the remaining site would be an excellent location given convenient transportation access to nearby areas like Hwaseo Station.

―Regarding Gwanggyo Mountain as a provincial park and preservation.
▲I basically support designating it as a provincial park, but funding is necessary first. We should create fee-based forest experience programs and secure management funds from the profits. Since more than one-third of Gwanggyo Mountain is private land, designating it as a provincial park will face enormous resistance from individuals. It is better to proceed with provincial park designation through revenue-generating projects such as fee-based forest experience programs, which can subdue opposition and secure management and personnel costs. Unilateral designation as a provincial park is expected to increase financial burden.

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