Gokseong County Governor Cho Sang-rae visited the National Assembly to secure national treasury for next year. Gokseong County Mayor Cho Sang-rae visited the National Assembly on the 13th and took active steps, including making budget proposals to resolve local pending projects.
We met with Kwon Hyang-yeop, National Assembly member from the Suncheon Gwangyang Gokseong Gurye-eul district, Shin Jeong-hoon, Chairman of the Public Administration and Security Committee, and National Assembly members Ahn Do-geol, Seo Sam-seok, and Lee Gae-ho, and explained the need for local projects for next year and requested cooperation in supporting national funds and special allocation taxes.
The major pending projects discussed were ▲Gokseong, return village development project, ▲construction of Gokseong-gun healing agricultural education facility, ▲gokseong-gun by-product resource conversion center facility modernization project, ▲urban planning road construction next to Seokgok Middle School, ▲samgi public sewage treatment plant construction project. etc.
In connection with the Jeonnam-type regional growth strategic project (Gokseong Station 1928), a special grant tax was requested for the smooth promotion of five major projects, including the Gokseong and Return Village development project, which establishes a base platform for residence. In addition, continued government support for ongoing annual projects such as the Samgi Public Sewage Treatment Plant construction project was also suggested.
Gokseong County Mayor Cho Sang-rae said, “We will maintain a close cooperative relationship with local lawmakers and mobilize all administrative power to ensure that national funds are reflected in pending projects that are essential to our county and that the long-awaited wishes of the county residents are quickly resolved.”
Meanwhile, the Gokseong-gun Future Education Foundation is accelerating preparations for a three-week global camp targeting February next year for 30 prospective high school students about to enter Gokseong High School and Okgwa High School.
This camp was prepared as a language training to develop students’ English thinking, and all training schedules were confirmed after a planning meeting and preliminary field trip with Gokseong Office of Education and middle and high school officials.
Last September, a total of 30 third-year middle school students, including 18 from Gokseong Middle School, 9 from Okgwa Middle School, and 3 from Seokgok Middle School, were selected, and this is a language study program in which as many as 25% of third-year middle school students in the area participate.
The training schedule, which begins on February 10, 2025, includes two weeks of language classes, a special lecture by a professor at the University of NSW, a public university in Sydney, a performance by the Sydney Orchestra, and a local cultural experience, and the last week will be participation in regular classes at St. Paul’s International School.
An official from the foundation said, “We prepared the training program with the greatest emphasis on the safety of homestay, diverse experiences, and natural interactions with overseas friends.”
In particular, a school official expressed hope that the project would continue, saying, “It was a great help in recruiting students to high schools, which were decreasing, and the language training allowed students to decide early on to enter high schools in the district and focus on their studies stably.”
Gokseong-gun Mayor Jo Sang-rae (chairman of the foundation) observed the preparation process and said, “This will be a valuable opportunity for local students who have less opportunities compared to cities,” and added, “We will pursue the project by prioritizing the safety of students above all else.”
In addition, we plan to hold an information session to answer questions for students and parents who are eagerly awaiting this project, and prepare for overseas departure without a hitch.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Gokseong-gun
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Kwon Hyang-yeop, National Assembly Member
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Member Kwon. Recently, Gokseong County Governor Cho Sang-rae visited the National Assembly to secure funding for local projects. What can you share about the discussions that took place during his visit?
Kwon Hyang-yeop: Thank you for having me. It was indeed a productive meeting. Governor Cho outlined several pressing projects that require national attention and funding. We discussed the Return Village development project and the modernization of the Gokseong-gun by-product resource conversion center. These projects are crucial for the local community to enhance sustainability and environmental management.
Time.news Editor: Those projects sound vital for the region’s development. Can you elaborate on the significance of the Gokseong Station 1928 initiative within the context of the Jeonnam-type regional growth strategic project?
Kwon Hyang-yeop: Absolutely. The Gokseong Station 1928 initiative is a cornerstone of our regional growth strategy. It aims to revitalize the area by establishing a residential base and improving infrastructure that supports the community’s economic activities. We believe that with special grant taxes, we can effectively catalyze this project and transform Gokseong into a more vibrant and sustainable place to live.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a collaborative effort is key here. How do you envision the partnership between local government and the national parliament evolving moving forward?
Kwon Hyang-yeop: Collaboration is indeed essential. The Governor has expressed a strong commitment to working closely with local lawmakers, and I share that sentiment. By combining our efforts and aligning our goals, I am confident we can secure the necessary national funds for projects that are essential to our constituents. Engaging with the community and addressing their needs is our first priority.
Time.news Editor: In addition to infrastructure, I understand there are educational initiatives underway, such as the global camp planned for prospective high school students. Can you tell us more about how this camp will benefit the students and Gokseong as a whole?
Kwon Hyang-yeop: Yes, the global camp is an incredibly exciting initiative. It aims to enhance English language skills amongst students and nurture their ability to think globally. By investing in education, particularly in language training, we’re not only preparing students for future academic challenges but also creating a workforce that can compete in a globalized economy. This is crucial for our region’s sustainable development and will foster a sense of community pride in our educational achievements.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fantastic initiative, Member Kwon. As someone deeply involved in shaping policy and community development, what message would you like to convey to the residents of Gokseong as you pursue these projects?
Kwon Hyang-yeop: I want the residents to know that their voices are heard. We are committed to advocating for their needs and aspirations. These projects are not just governmental undertakings; they are genuinely about improving lives. I encourage everyone to stay engaged and participate in the discourse around these developments. Together, we can create a prosperous future for Gokseong.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Member Kwon, for sharing your insights and vision for Gokseong County. It sounds like there are exciting developments on the horizon!
Kwon Hyang-yeop: Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to continuing this journey alongside the community.