1. Study Objectives and Methods

▮ Research Background and Objectives

￮The global environment is changing rapidly, leading to increased uncertainty regarding the global economy, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and societal changes post-pandemic, as well as increased interest in the development of future cities. These conditions necessitate measures for Saemangeum to secure urban competitiveness.

￮This study aims to comprehensively analyze future international outlooks and  global urban competitiveness indicators to establish foundational data for formulating long-term strategies aimed at securing urban competitiveness for the Saemangeum project, a large-scale development project representing South Korea, and activating investment attraction such as corporate attraction.

￮In particular, this study secures distinctiveness by deriving necessary elements for the future mid- to long-term competitiveness as a global city of the ongoing development project known as Saemangeum, which is currently in the process of landfill and construction, and by deducing implications regarding response directions and strategies

▮ Research Scope and Methodology

￮ The spatial scope of the study is set to the Saemangeum project area, while the temporal scope ranges from the base year 2021 to the target year 2050.

￮ The research methodology involves a comprehensive approach utilizing a literature review, information investigation, big data analysis, in-depth

interviews with experts, and expert surveys (AHP)

2. Conclusion and Policy Recommendations

￮ The results of big data analysis show that the top-ranked words in the upper group from 1st to 30th positions are predominantly related to the 'development' of Saemangeum, such as 'project,' 'development,' 'construction,' and 'investment.' This reflects the history of discourse on Saemangeum, which has mainly focused on infrastructure projects related to development, construction, and investment.

￮ Words closely associated with the urban characteristics and roles of Saemangeum include 'future,' 'renewable energy,' 'smart,' and 'waterfront city,' all of which rank outside the top 50.

￮ Through prior research, case studies, and expert consultation, global urban competitiveness indicators applicable to Saemangeum were derived based on previous research findings and expert consultation. Weighted priority analysis using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was conducted for each core sector, item, and indicator.

￮ Among 44 indicators, those related to urban infrastructure showed high priority, particularly emphasizing the importance of transportation infrastructure.

￮ Differentiation strategies for Saemangeum in terms of global urban competitiveness indicators mainly focus on aspects presented through the Saemangeum Development Act. These include factors such as the project environment, water quality, smart city initiatives, disaster management, tourism  resources, amenities, and carbon neutrality, all grounded on the characteristics of the Saemangeum region. 

￮ Based on the results, the following directions are suggested for the mid- to long-term strategic formulation of the Saemangeum project:

1) Securing Saemangeum's urban competitiveness centered around its identity or values as a city

2) Establishing differentiation from major global cities or emerging global cities.

3) Clearly defining necessary urban elements (functions) for Saemangeum, as outlined in the basic plan

4) Providing support for investment attraction and addressing areas of relative weakness in regional conditions during the initial stages.

5) Clearly distinguishing between specific and flexible aspects to be included in the basic plan for each stage of Saemangeum's development.

6) Encompassing not only industrial-economic aspects but also social values in the ongoing development of the Saemangeum project.

7) Including strategies for collaboration with surrounding areas in the Saemangeum basic plan.

8) Proposing enhancements to the reputation of the Saemangeum basic plan.

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