'Returned U.S. Military Bases 25 Times the Size of Yeouido'... Kim Dong-yeon Presents Three Development Principles

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon announced that development projects for returned U.S. military bases in the province are entering a new phase, and stated that he would actively promote these projects based on three development principles: initiative, forward-thinking, and local-centeredness.

Previously, on August 1, President Lee Jaemyung expressed a strong commitment to driving the development of returned U.S. military base sites during a nationwide meeting with provincial and city governors.

At the "Current Issues Countermeasures Meeting" held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government on August 5, Governor Kim Dong-yeon first emphasized, "We must break away from the previous passive and central government-dependent approach and actively identify and pursue what Gyeonggi Province should do, demonstrating the province's initiative."

He indicated that the province should take the lead in maximizing the use of Gyeonggi's assets, and in establishing development directions that can create synergy not only in the returned U.S. military base zones but also in other idle military sites.

Governor Kim further encouraged, "As the President stated, so that 'special compensation is given for special sacrifices,' let Gyeonggi Province take a greater role first."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is presiding over a current issue countermeasure meeting at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office on the 5th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

He added, "Up until now, we have requested support from the central government for various initiatives. While there may still be things we need support for, I hope Gyeonggi Province can take a more proactive and forward-thinking approach."

He continued, "I ask the Gyeonggi Research Institute to form task forces for each region, such as Uijeongbu and Dongducheon, to develop plans for the returned base zones tailored to each area's unique characteristics."

Furthermore, he said, "Once the government's 5th National Rail Network Plan is announced by the end of the year, please review very proactively how to connect this plan with the northern returned U.S. military base zones."

Governor Kim particularly emphasized, "Some areas should be developed with an industrial or corporate focus, while others should be developed with a cultural focus. We must develop the returned U.S. military base zones in a way that fits the characteristics of each region and its residents, thereby improving the local economy, culture, and quality of life."

Among all the returned U.S. military base sites nationwide, 22 locations covering approximately 72.4 square kilometers (21.93 million pyeong) are available for development in Gyeonggi Province alone. This is 25 times the size of Yeouido (2.9 square kilometers, 870,000 pyeong).

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