Gyeonggi-do Launches Full-Scale Support for Development of 'Returned USFK Sites'

Formation of Integrated Support System 'Policy Consultation Promotion Team'
Gyeonggi-do Acts as a Bridge Between Government and Cities/Counties
Policy Improvement Workshop, Support for Private Investment Attraction

Former U.S. Military Return Site [Gyeonggi-do]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Activities such as organizing a team for the development of U.S. military return sites in Gyeonggi Province are expected to gain momentum.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 20th, "We have launched the establishment of an integrated support system to prepare utilization plans for U.S. military return sites."

They plan to form a 'Policy Consultation Promotion Team' consisting of the province, relevant cities and counties, Gyeonggi Research Institute, Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Corporation, and external experts.

Unlike the previous development of return sites which relied on the central government and local governments, the province will take the lead as a bridge between the government and local governments to promote the projects.

According to the province, there are a total of 34 U.S. military return sites in Gyeonggi Province covering 173㎢ (52.18 million pyeong), which corresponds to 29% of Seoul’s area (605.24㎢).

Excluding military use and mountainous areas where development is difficult, the actually usable area is 22 sites covering 72㎢, and 18 sites have already been returned.

So far, development has been completed at four sites: Camp Essayon (Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital), Camp Sears (Uijeongbu Metropolitan Administrative Town), Camp Castle (Dongducheon Dongyang University North Seoul Campus), and Camp Cooney (Hwaseong Peace Ecological Park). The rest are either under construction or in preparation stages.

Sites not yet returned include four locations (about 19.7㎢): Camp Casey, Camp Hovey, Camp Mobile in Dongducheon, and Camp Stanley in Uijeongbu.

These areas are evaluated to have high utilization value due to their location, and it is expected that future development will contribute to regional economic revitalization through job creation and population inflow.

The 'Policy Consultation Promotion Team' will discuss various issues related to the development of return sites and derive effective alternatives and policy directions, providing administrative and financial support to cities and counties facing difficulties in project implementation.

If necessary, they plan to support private investment attraction for the development of return sites and promote amendments to related laws and systems in consultation with central ministries and local governments to improve conditions for private investment.

To expand private participation, they are also considering holding an 'Unreturned Site Investment Attraction Briefing' next year.

Inchi Kwon, Military-Civil Cooperation Officer, stated, "If Gyeonggi Province acts as an intermediary, it will help enhance development effects," adding, "We will ensure the prompt return of sites and active state-led development for balanced regional development."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.