Gangwon Province's Gangneung Drought Response Public-Private-Military Council to Begin Groundwater Exploration on the 22nd

Priority Exploration Upstream of Obong Reservoir
Resource Support from Ministry of National Defense and Korea Rural Community Corporation

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced that the Gangneung Drought Response Public-Private-Military Council, which was launched on September 16, will begin full-scale groundwater exploration and drilling operations in the upstream area of the Obong Reservoir in Gangneung (including the Wangsancheon and Domacheon areas) starting from September 22.

A panoramic view of Gangwon Provincial Government Office. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

The exploration will focus on the upstream area of the Obong Reservoir, which is the largest water source in Gangneung. The investigation will be conducted primarily in this area so that any groundwater secured can flow directly into the reservoir.

Based on the results of the exploration, the province plans to select suitable sites for drilling, develop new wells, and temporarily convert existing large wells. These efforts will be carried out simultaneously to accelerate the securing of additional household water supplies within September.

Yoon Seung-gi, Director of the Forest and Environment Bureau of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "Although recent rainfall has led to a partial recovery in the water level of the Obong Reservoir, developing alternative water sources is essential as a mid- to long-term measure for drought response. The Public-Private-Military Council will combine the capabilities of each participating institution to achieve visible results in securing water sources."

Meanwhile, the council was established following an emergency response meeting chaired by the governor at the second provincial government office on September 7. It is composed of Gangwon Province, Gangneung City, the Ministry of National Defense, Korea Rural Community Corporation, and private experts, and is focused on groundwater development to address the drought.

In particular, the Groundwater Drilling Battalion of the Army Capital Defense Command, which is participating in this council, is the military’s only specialized groundwater drilling unit. The battalion has supported well development in remote and drought-stricken areas and also assisted in rescue operations with drilling efforts during the Bonghwa mine collapse in 2023.

The Korea Rural Community Corporation plays a central role in long-term monitoring through its rural groundwater observation network and has recently begun groundwater recharge projects to secure agricultural water, taking the lead in water resource management in response to the climate crisis and drought.

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