The construction of the National Tax Service's artificial intelligence (AI) system, the Baengnyeongdo small airport, and the Homigot National Marine Ecological Park have all passed preliminary feasibility studies. Additionally, the project to expand the railway comprehensive test track in Osong, North Chungcheong Province, has been selected for a feasibility study.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on November 13 that it held the 9th Financial Investment Evaluation Committee, chaired by Vice Minister Cho Yong-beom, to review and approve the selection of these projects for feasibility studies.
The National Tax Service AI system project aims to integrate AI technology across all aspects of tax administration. The project will proceed after some adjustments to the initial plans, focusing on providing tailored tax services, such as AI-assisted electronic filing through the Home Tax system.
It will also introduce AI-based verification features to enhance the capacity to address tax evasion and delinquencies. The government expects this initiative to improve taxpayer convenience and increase the efficiency of tax administration.
The Baengnyeongdo small airport project has also secured feasibility. This initiative aims to construct a small airport in Baengnyeongdo, located in the northernmost border area of the West Sea, to provide an alternative transportation option to complement existing maritime transport.
Currently, it takes about four hours to reach Baengnyeongdo by sea. The government anticipates that the airport will enhance mobility for residents and military personnel and improve medical access for emergency patient transport. It also expects to boost the local economy through increased tourism.
The Homigot National Marine Ecological Park project aims to establish a hub for marine ecosystem management, education, and experiences in the Homigot area of Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. This area was designated as a marine protected area in 2021.
Once implemented, the project will create facilities such as the Homigot Preservation Center to observe, research, and protect marine ecosystems, including seaweed, sea turtles, and salmon. The government believes this will strengthen the foundation for marine ecosystem conservation while contributing to increased tourism demand.
With the feasibility of these three projects confirmed, the respective ministries will begin the necessary follow-up procedures to advance them.
Meanwhile, the railway comprehensive test track expansion project has been selected as a new feasibility study target. This project, promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, involves adding a 3.29 km section to the existing railway comprehensive test track near Osong Station to create a circular line.
Once completed, the circular line is expected to expand the testing capacity for new railway vehicles and provide the necessary infrastructure for railway technology development and test runs for vehicles ordered from overseas.
In total, four projects applied for the feasibility study selection, but three withdrew their applications, leaving only the railway comprehensive test track expansion project selected. The designated investigation agency will commence the feasibility study.
Vice Minister Cho stated, "The projects that have secured feasibility will bring substantial changes to the lives of citizens and the local economy, ranging from innovations in administrative services using AI and other advanced technologies to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the enhancement of transportation infrastructure in island regions. I urge each ministry to promptly advance the follow-up procedures to deliver tangible results that citizens can feel."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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