Interview Mayor Ju Gwang-deok of Namyangju, "We Will Accelerate the Leap to a 'Hub City of Korea' with a Population of 1 Million"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Um In-yong] Mayor Ju Gwang-deok of Namyangju held a '2026 New Year Press Conference' at the Dasan Hall of City Hall on the 29th and unveiled his vision for a future self-reliant city to prepare for the one million population era, along with major policy implementation plans.

The press conference was held to review the status of major projects during the eighth civil government term and to share core tasks on which city administration will focus its capabilities throughout 2026.

The city plans to accelerate the establishment of a 'regionally-integrated medical system' that includes recruiting a university hospital and establishing an innovative public medical center to protect citizens' right to life and improve quality medical services.

This is an essential medical infrastructure in preparation for the one million population era, demonstrating the city's determination to resolve medical service gaps within the region, provide immediate response in emergency situations, and secure professional treatment capabilities for severe and rare diseases.

The following is a Q&A; session.

▲How will you efficiently reorganize the city's spatial structure?

- We plan to develop the Wangsuk district into a complex city that harmonizes transportation and culture, and to promote the Ipaedong urban development project connecting Dasan New City and Wangsuk New City to strengthen the core functions of a multi-nuclear city structure.

▲What are the landmark development projects that will be fully launched for the dynamic transformation of the original downtown area?

- In the Deokso area of Wabu-eup, we plan to construct a 'youth complex hub' combining a 19-story youth-specialized facility and a 39-story complex facility for a total of 58 stories to lead vitality in the southern residential area.

Additionally, through customized development tailored to regional characteristics, including the Jungchon Village in Dasan-dong, which was selected as a national pilot district, we are pursuing balanced development of new and existing downtown areas.

▲What is the industrial foundation to expand self-reliant functions?

- The Wangsuk Urban Advanced Industrial Complex, where cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology will be located, is set to begin groundbreaking this year.

Based on the 3 trillion won scale investment attraction foundation currently secured, the city plans to host Namyangju's first 'large-scale investment attraction briefing session' in March.

Through this, we aim to create local jobs and enhance economic vitality.

▲What are the plans to expand transportation infrastructure and citizen convenience facilities?

- We will concentrate administrative efforts on the timely opening of major railroad networks including the Gangdong-Hanam-Namyangju Line (Line 9 Extension), and will accelerate the creation of regional landmarks such as the 'Jeong Yak-yong Park' utilizing the space above the railroad and the advanced cluster of the resource circulation comprehensive complex.

▲Finally, is there anything you would like to say to citizens?

- City administration has thus far been a process of seeking the direction of urban change based on citizens' opinions. This year, based on the policies implemented thus far, we plan to enhance the completeness of overall city functions and accelerate efforts in building self-reliant foundations closely connected to citizens' lives.

Furthermore, we will continue to pursue the path of Namyangju's great transformation to ensure that all 740,000 citizens can feel pride in our city.