New Year's Address Mayor Lee Gwon-jae of Osan City

Distinguished citizens of Osan and beloved public officials!

A new year of hope has dawned.

I wish health and peace for every household in our city.

I express my deep gratitude to the citizens who have supported our municipal administration with one heart throughout the past year, and to the public officials who have faithfully dedicated themselves in their respective roles.

2025 was a time of change, challenge, and growth.

Our city's future vision became clearer in diverse areas including the progress of large-scale development projects, expansion of transportation networks, and establishment of cutting-edge industry infrastructure.

The policies and projects accumulated over time have not remained merely as plans but have materialized into tangible results, creating a period of transformation felt through real changes in the city's structure and citizens' daily lives.

Now we stand at a point where we must move beyond discussing direction and advance by proving results and building the future.

With this spirit, Osan's municipal administration in 2026 will vigorously pursue the following goals:

■ First, I will complete the foundation for leaping forward to become a self-sufficient city of 500,000 residents.

This year marks a critical turning point that will transform Osan's future.

The designation of Segyo District 3, a long-cherished project, has been completed, marking an important milestone in clarifying the direction of Osan's growth.

This is not merely residential expansion but rather the securing of a strategic foundation for Osan to advance as a self-reliant city.

If the past four years were a period of laying the cornerstone for a future-oriented Osan, the next four years will be a period when future plans become reality.

In particular, we are proactively preparing Osan's future industries by maintaining continuous and close consultation with the government, Gyeonggi Province, and LH to enable the creation of a 300,000-pyeong advanced techno-valley within Segyo District 3.

Preparations for creating a structure where industry and jobs grow together have already begun.

Our Osan is positioned at the center of the semiconductor megacluster.

Global semiconductor leaders such as Lam Research Manufacturing Korea, Applied Materials, and Idemitsu Kosan have established production and research bases in Osan, enabling Osan to leap forward vigorously as the center of Korea's semiconductor and R&D innovation.

In 2026, by further strengthening cooperation and linkage with these companies, we will begin in earnest to build a 'smart self-reliant industrial ecosystem' where semiconductors serve as the core, with AI, advanced materials, and future technology industries interconnected and growing.

We will firmly establish a virtuous cycle structure where technology leads to industry, industry leads to jobs, and jobs lead to improved quality of life for citizens.

Additionally, we are carefully reviewing utilization plans for the former Seoul National University site in Naesanmi-dong and the relocated civil defense training ground site to reflect both the city's future value and citizens' needs.

Unam-ttul AI City, which will be developed as a complex district harmonizing residential, commercial, and cutting-edge industry, and the complex and multi-layered development of the Segyo Terminal site are key strategic projects being pursued with the Urban Development Corporation and will serve as new growth engines redrawing Osan's economic map over the next decade.

We will also step-by-step review utilization plans for the Osan Station railway district development and the Gyeseong Paper site, considering the city's spatial structure and industrial flow, making them important axes of urban transformation that enhance Osan's future value.

The Osan General Sports Complex will be transformed in its role and appearance as citizens' lifestyles have changed.

Through relocation, the sports complex will be developed into a comprehensive sports town where professional sports, recreational sports, and leisure activities blend harmoniously, and the existing site will be utilized as a new landmark space that enhances the city's central value.

By linking the development projects and industrial infrastructure initiatives promoted thus far into a single competitive advantage for the city, we will firmly establish Osan as a city that transcends merely being a place to stay and becomes a place to work, grow, and create opportunities.

■ Second, I will leap forward to become Osan, a city with convenient access and rapid connectivity, and a hub for metropolitan transportation.

The expansion of metropolitan transportation networks, which citizens have long awaited, enters a stage of visible change beginning in 2026.

The GTX-C extension to Osan is proceeding in phases on schedule with an aim for completion in 2028.

The opening of the east-west cross-railway road is also raising completion levels as a key connecting axis to resolve the disconnection between the city's east and west, with the Osancheon Bridge construction now in full swing.

The KTX connection from Suwon to Osan Station is currently undergoing feasibility verification by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and we will accelerate consultations with relevant agencies regarding the urban railroad tram, further enhancing metropolitan transportation accessibility.

The Dongbu-daero underground passage, a long-cherished aspiration, began with the full opening of the Osan City Hall underground passage in November 2023, and we aim to complete the Daewon underground passage in the near future to dramatically improve the city's north-south flow.

The connection road linking Yangsan-dong to National Route 1, the connection road between Jigok-dong and Segyo District, and the expansion of the Serang Reservoir access road represent the process of completing the city's circulatory system connecting all living areas seamlessly; we will continue to enhance connection completeness in accordance with plans in 2026.

To resolve bottleneck phenomena around the Gyeongbu Expressway, we will create a multi-layered Osan IC, and we will also improve traffic flow through consultations with relevant agencies regarding structural improvements to Namsajin IC entrance and exit.

Furthermore, we will fundamentally improve the structure of major urban intersections including Wondong, Hanwon, and Cheonil intersections through underground routing, creating traffic condition changes that citizens can feel in their daily lives.

Additionally, we will actively pursue the construction of new interchanges and connecting roads in the Hwaseong-Anseong Semiconductor Expressway to directly connect Segyo Districts 2 and 3 with the metropolitan transportation network, and through the establishment of a new hi-pass IC leading to Unam-ttul AI City, we will preemptively distribute traffic demand toward the Dongtan direction.

We will actively pursue the reflection of these transportation infrastructure improvements in the Segyo District 3 metropolitan transportation improvement measures.

We will also closely consult with relevant agencies regarding the establishment of the Hwaseong Geumgok District IC on the Seoul Metropolitan Circumferential Route No. 2 and the new hi-pass entrance and exit near Osan Service Area to dramatically enhance Osan's metropolitan accessibility.

We will enhance public transportation by making urban transit more densely distributed and expanding inter-city connections more broadly, creating an Osan where everyone can conveniently travel anywhere.

We have opened the 5104 express bus to Seoul Station, and we have also resumed operation of the 8848 bus to Gimpo Airport.

Additionally, we have begun operating the 8302 express bus to Seongnam Pangyo and Yatap, increased 8301 buses from 4 to 8 daily trips to enhance convenience, and strengthened southeast-southwest axis connectivity with the 5300 bus now stopping at Gohyeon-dong.

We have also sequentially resumed two inter-city bus routes to Jamsil and Dongseoul, reconnecting Osan Terminal, Unam District, Osan University Station, and Segyo District with major metropolitan hubs.

Additionally, we are in close consultation with relevant agencies to enable the opening of an inter-city bus route from Segyo District 2 through Segyo District 1 to Yatap within February.

Through technology, we will read flows and manage congestion with data.

Based on an intelligent transportation system (ITS), we predict and manage traffic congestion and operate optimized signals to create a faster and safer Osan.

As a result, we are completing traffic system improvement projects at major intersections including Namchon, Lotte Mart, and Unam intersections without disruption, realizing traffic environmental changes that citizens can experience one by one.

Moving forward, based on accumulated experience, we will continuously expand ITS application areas and gradually extend smart transportation systems to major congestion sections and residential area roads.

On a broad metropolitan transportation network connecting people and city, residential areas and industry, we will add smart transportation that precisely manages flows through technology and data, completing an advanced transportation system that is faster, safer, and more efficient.

In 2026 as well, Osan City will make transportation a core element of urban competitiveness and steadily pursue transportation innovation that brings citizens' daily lives closer and opens greater possibilities for the city.

■ Third, I will concentrate municipal administration resources on creating a safe Osan.

Osan City will implement proactive and systematic safety inspections of major road retaining walls, discovering and promptly addressing risk factors to create a safe road environment that protects citizens' daily lives and lives.

With the principle that "safety must be prepared well in advance," we will complete the opening of the Seobu-ro bypass temporary connection road in the first half of this year, responding swiftly and thoroughly so that citizens' lives and daily routines do not stop.

Brightening dark streets is also an important policy for protecting citizen safety.

We are continuously promoting street light illumination improvements to provide reassurance for both drivers and pedestrians, and following the completion of the northern district project last year, we will complete major sections including National Route 1 without disruption in the first half.

Additionally, we have installed safe lighting by replacing aged lighting and wiring within Osaegssi Market, creating a safe traditional market environment where merchants and citizens can use with confidence, and we will enhance the pedestrian environment by installing Cheongsa Lanterns in neighborhood shopping districts within this year, further strengthening citizen safety.

Distinguished citizens,

Safety is the foundation and starting point of a city, a value that cannot be traded for anything else.

Osan City will carefully complete itself as a city that prioritizes citizen safety through the Smart Integrated Operations Center, monitoring risks throughout the city 24 hours a day and responding immediately to crises by discovering dangers first.

We will also regularize safety inspections of aged apartment complexes and multi-use facilities, and strengthen safety management systems from major infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels through to the closest spaces in our daily lives and throughout the city.

Furthermore, this year we will establish a 24-hour emergency response situation room to strengthen our system for responding more swiftly and efficiently to disasters.

To proactively address the reality of climate change approaching as an everyday disaster, we will strengthen disaster response and climate-environment management functions, and prepare thoroughly to protect citizens' daily lives even in situations of climate crisis such as heat waves, heavy rain, and cold spells.

Osan City will establish a new standard for 'safe Osan' as a city that gives the gift of safety to citizens, taking safety that citizens can feel as a clear goal and preparing and responding preemptively even to excess if necessary.

Now, safety is not a matter of choice but rather the dignity of the city that Osan must uphold and our promise to citizens.

■ Fourth, I will create a Osan where everyone from children to seniors is happy.

We are continuously promoting expansion of parental allowances and childbirth incentives, along with necessary admission fees for childcare facilities, elementary school entrance celebration funds, and support for female adolescent hygiene products.

Particularly from this year, we will support up to 300,000 won for fetal abnormality screening tests for high-risk pregnant women aged 35 and over, further strengthening social responsibility regarding childbirth and childcare.

The Saessak Station, a drop-off/pick-up shelter for infants and young children, has created a total of 18 locations through last year, and we will add 3 more this year to create a safe childcare environment where children are protected and parents have peace of mind.

Additionally, through native English speaker video English and English camps, expanded operation of the Osan Universe Camp for systematic career and university planning, creating a hall of honor to expand scholarship programs, support for lifelong learning incentives, and the establishment of a youth training center, we will expand future education infrastructure and align with the national trend of AI education by continuing to expand education based on the existing AI coding edu-lab, while introducing the new AI Dream Lab project in 2026 to implement customized education for elementary, middle, and high school clubs, systematically developing talents with digital competency needed for future society.

In addition, this year we will newly operate a youth ski camp, providing 2-night, 3-day residential experience programs for elementary school students in grades 4-6, featuring professional ski lessons and various experience activities.

Furthermore, we will operate residential science camps in cooperation with KAIST to create a learning environment where elementary and middle school students can directly experience cutting-edge technology and explore future career paths.

We will support up to 350,000 won per person in education expenses, creating a solid foundation where anyone can grow into a science and technology talent without economic burden.

To help youth establish independence and settle down, Osan City has consistently promoted policies that holistically address youth's work and life, housing and relationship formation through housing allowance support for happiness dormitories, employment and career support through the Iroujjab program, and even linking unmarried men and women meeting events with youth and newlywed housing support.

We will continuously expand customized welfare for the elderly and vulnerable populations, including cooperation with Dalbit Children's Hospital and designated pharmacies, dementia safety centers, discovery of crisis households and prevention of deaths from loneliness, and support for funeral incentives up to a maximum of 350,000 won.

For improving the treatment of caregivers, social workers, and childcare staff, we will not stop at providing health checkup expense support but will continuously expand substantive support that can be felt in the field, and will pursue the construction of the Disability Welfare Town without disruption to complete a welfare environment where those caring for people are respected and those receiving care can have peace of mind.

To ensure that the noble sacrifices and contributions of veterans who dedicated themselves to the nation and freedom are respected, we will support 100,000 won in veteran honor allowances from this year and have raised veteran allowances to firmly establish respect and support through steadfast veterans welfare policies.

We will continue steadily to expand cultural infrastructure.

Osan City is now establishing itself as a city of four-season festivals where there are things to enjoy in every season.

In April, the Cherryblossom Date Festival marks the beginning of spring against the backdrop of fully blooming cherry blossoms, and in May, using Goindol Park as a stage with rose street creation, landscape lighting, photo zones, and expansion of 146 parking spaces,

the upgraded Oh! Happy Rose-Colored Festival unfolds.

In June, the Yamak Festival, an urban vitality festival linked with local commercial districts, adds summer enjoyment where citizens and visitors blend harmoniously, and from November through December, the Oh! Happy Santa Market filled with year-end atmosphere will warmly fill winter in Osan.

These festivals continuing throughout the four seasons add joy to citizens' daily lives and have become important cultural assets that make Osan a city people want to visit, stay in, and enjoy.

With the hosting of the 2027-2028 Gyeonggi Provincial General Sports Festival confirmed for Osan City, we will make full preparations for the successful hosting of the event and share the city's capabilities and pride with citizens.

Additionally, Serang Reservoir will be newly transformed into a healing space where citizens can linger and rest by the first half of this year with the addition of music fountains and landscape lighting, and we will secure 80 parking spaces nearby to complete it as an easily accessible destination without parking inconvenience.

The barefoot turmeric soil paths currently operating at 9 locations will add 4 more this year, and water play areas will be expanded by districts, newly installing facilities in Yangsan-dong and Chopyeong-dong to allow all citizens to safely enjoy them near their homes.

Furthermore, to ensure these spaces lead to health practices in daily life, we have operated walking challenges using a mobile walking app since last year, and in 2026 we will continue this by providing citizens who achieve monthly step goals with mileage converted to local currency, naturally embedding the joy of walking and healthy lifestyle habits.

We are implementing landscape lighting projects in stages to transform Osan's nighttime landscape and raise the city's dignity and pride that citizens can feel.

We are currently installing landscape lighting in 26 apartment complexes to brighten the city's night anew, and we will continue to expand landscape lighting installations.

The left bank section of Osancheon and the Osan, Namchon, and Eungye Bridges completed landscape lighting last year, and we will complete installation of the remaining right bank of Osancheon, Geumo and Tapdong Bridges, and the city boundary welcome signs and Osan IC landscape lighting in the first half of this year.

To provide better administrative services to citizens, the Namchon-dong Complex Civic Center will open next month, and the Busan-dong Living Culture Center to meet eastern district residents' cultural needs is scheduled to open in March.

Additionally, the Sinjang 2-dong Administrative Welfare Center is being pursued with an aim for opening next year, and the Daewon 2-dong Administrative Welfare Center is also being prepared without disruption according to plan.

We will establish a family library where families can stay together and enjoy books and culture within the Miniature Village, and newly create a living culture library in Daewon 2-dong for convenient use near residential areas, expanding living-focused reading and cultural spaces where generations from children to seniors blend together.

Distinguished citizens and beloved public officials!

2026 is the starting point for Osan to leap forward as a 'future-oriented Osan' based on the foundation we have prepared.

The changes we have created together will now unfold toward greater new possibilities and growth.

This direction of change is being steadily confirmed not by words but by process and standards.

We strengthened the basic fiscal capacity of administration by increasing the standard personnel expenses budget by 18.5 billion won, and achieved the highest grade for two consecutive years in the national evaluation of municipal leaders' pledge fulfillment and information disclosure.

Furthermore, over the past four years we have attracted 315 projects worth 174.8 billion won in government and provincial funding, establishing ourselves as a city that completes what it plans based on the credibility and momentum of municipal administration, a city that moves on the basis of trust.

At the new year, the phrase '적토성산 (jeoktosongssan)' – "earth accumulated becomes a mountain" – comes to mind. Just as countless handfuls of soil build up to form a mountain, the steps we have taken with citizens become the foundation firmly supporting today's Osan.

The past four years have been a time of carefully laying the foundation for Osan's future.

And now, the policies and plans we have accumulated will move into the next stage of full realization in citizens' lives.

Based on the strength we have built, Osan City will not settle but move forward again, continuing the path toward Osan's new century without wavering to the end.

I wish health and happiness for the homes of all citizens in the new year as well.

Thank you.