[Interview] 'UNESCO Double Crown Yeoncheon'... County Governor Kim Kwang-cheol, Economic Engines of 'BIX' and 'Ecotourism City'

Synergy Expected from Major Projects Including Yeoncheon BIX and Ecotourism City
Plan to Renovate 10 Attractions in Hantan River Global Geopark
Expansion of Transportation Network such as Gyeongwon Line Double-Track Subway... Improved Accessibility to Seoul

Kim Kwang-cheol, Yeoncheon County Governor

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] "In September 2019, the first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) occurred and spread in South Korea, with Yeoncheon-gun in the northern Gyeonggi Province suffering the most damage, but it overcame the crisis well. Subsequently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it responded appropriately, which served as an opportunity to test and develop its crisis management capabilities."

Kim Gwang-cheol, the mayor of Yeoncheon-gun, who is inspecting safety management at major local business sites, said this in an interview with this publication when asked about his reflections on the 7th local government administration.

Located in a border area, Yeoncheon-gun is subject to overlapping regulations such as the Military Facilities Protection Act and the Capital Region Readjustment Planning Act, and its financial independence is low, placing it at the bottom in various economic indicators. Last year, it made a desperate effort in the third public institution relocation competition in Gyeonggi Province but failed after being eliminated in the second round.

However, Mayor Kim expressed confidence that by organically linking major projects such as Yeoncheon BIX, the establishment of the National Yeoncheon Memorial Cemetery, and the construction of ecological tourism city infrastructure, the local economy of Yeoncheon could be revitalized and its financial independence increased.

Imjingang Columnar Jointing [Yeoncheon-gun]

Regarding unique projects and visions specific to Yeoncheon-gun, a border area with many regulations, he said, "As a 'UNESCO double crown' city blessed with natural beauty, we plan to create resident-led ecological specialty villages to promote tourism in the Imjin River Biosphere Reserve," and mentioned plans to create an urban ecological environment map.

Mayor Kim also revealed plans to renovate 10 geological sites within the Hantan River Global Geopark.

He said, "We will refurbish the Baegui-ri strata and Jaein Waterfall tourist facilities and nurture local tourism creators," adding, "We will provide various attractions and entertainment through experiential leisure sports such as geo and kayak projects, and operate themed route programs on the DMZ Peace Road."

After failing to attract public institutions, Yeoncheon-gun is now focusing all efforts on attracting companies to Yeoncheon BIX (Euntong General Industrial Complex), scheduled for completion in June.

For companies moving into Yeoncheon BIX, up to 3 billion KRW in Gyeonggi Province small and medium enterprise development funds and up to 300 million KRW in special guarantee operating funds recommended by Yeoncheon-gun will be provided.

Given the limitations of financial support from Gyeonggi Province or the central government, attracting companies to Yeoncheon BIX is also seen as a self-reliance measure to reduce financial dependence.

Yeoncheon BIX Euntong General Industrial Complex Bird's-eye View [Yeoncheon-gun]

Mayor Kim said, "Yeoncheon BIX is a new-concept industrial complex equipped not only with industrial facilities but also with 100 units of worker happiness housing, retention basin parks, and corporate support facilities," adding, "We plan to attract about 60 companies in nine industries including textiles, electronics, medical, and metals to revitalize the local economy and ultimately increase financial independence."

Yeoncheon-gun has analyzed that attracting companies to Yeoncheon BIX, with over 10 companies already confirmed, will generate economic benefits totaling 720 billion KRW over 30 years and create employment for over 3,000 people.

During the 7th local government administration, Yeoncheon-gun has also concentrated administrative efforts on expanding transportation infrastructure, including the double-track electrification of the Gyeongwon Line and the opening of National Routes 3 and 37.

Especially, once the double-track electrification project of the Gyeongwon Line, extending the Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 from Dongducheon Soyosan Station to Yeoncheon (20.9 km), is completed, it will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Yeoncheon to Yongsan starting next year, improving accessibility to Seoul.

The National Route 37 connecting Jeongok and Yeongjung has been completed, and National Route 3 (Sangpae to Cheongsan) is progressing normally.

Perspective View of Yeoncheon Station on the Gyeongwon Line Double Track Electrification [Yeoncheon-gun]

Mayor Kim promised, "The double-track electrification of the Gyeongwon Line is part of improving transportation infrastructure in northern Gyeonggi and establishing an integrated railway network on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We will ensure it proceeds without delay, reflecting the aspirations of local residents and national policy will."

Regarding the frequently discussed issue of 'Gyeonggi Province division' during elections, Mayor Kim expressed his support without hesitation.

He said, "Having served twice as a Gyeonggi Province assembly member, I have always supported the division of Gyeonggi Province," emphasizing, "Because of the significant population difference between northern and southern Gyeonggi, division must happen."

He added, "Although tax revenue will be less than the southern part initially, I believe the national budget can sufficiently cover it until northern Gyeonggi establishes a certain growth base," lending support to the division of Gyeonggi Province.