'Ecoparmland,' Korea's Largest Public Livestock Tourism Complex, Opens After 17 Years of Preparation

'Ecoparmland,' the largest public-sector livestock tourism complex in South Korea, opened its doors on the 25th after 17 years of preparation.

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated at the opening ceremony held at the Ecoparmland site in Hwaseong City on this day, "The project faced multiple suspensions and was on the verge of being abandoned several times over the past 17 years, but with the 8th popularly elected Gyeonggi Provincial Government investing over 60 billion won here, we were finally able to open. I believe Gyeonggi Ecoparmland has created a significant chapter in history."

He continued, "This site encompasses everything about livestock, including research, hands-on experiences, healing, and welfare," adding, "We will establish a new turning point for Korean livestock through R&D, create a rehabilitation and emotional healing space where people can connect with animals at the equestrian complex, and build a companion animal zone to realize respect for life and animal welfare."

He further pledged, "We will make Gyeonggi Province the hub and heart of Korea's livestock industry," and said, "I have long believed that agriculture and livestock should be at the center of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Gyeonggi Province will take the lead in creating a new industrial axis that guarantees ecology, environment, and future food sources."

Meanwhile, on this day, Gyeonggi Province signed a 'Livestock Industry Development MOU' with Nonghyup Agribusiness Group Livestock Division. The agreement covers mutual cooperation in various areas, including support for livestock improvement, consulting for farms, distribution and processing of livestock products by Nonghyup Agribusiness Group, building and distributing high-quality cow herds, selection, fostering, and utilization of certified breeding bulls, and support for the establishment and operation of AI-based smart platforms.

Gyeonggi Ecoparmland is a comprehensive livestock complex with research, experience, healing, and welfare functions, built on a land area of 119 hectares (1,189,275 square meters) and a total building area of 46,670 square meters.

The main facilities include: ▲ a livestock research and development (R&D) complex for livestock experiments and breeding stock management; ▲ a healing and therapeutic equestrian complex supporting residents' emotional well-being and leisure through horse culture experiences and training; and ▲ a companion animal complex equipped with an adoption center and animal welfare education facilities.

The livestock research and development (R&D) complex, covering 29,359 square meters, houses barns, composting facilities, quarantine barns, feed storage, and agricultural machinery storage. Research conducted here will include specialization of Gyeonggi Hanwoo cattle, preservation and distribution of native livestock, and industrialization of new dairy cow breeds.

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is delivering a greeting at the opening ceremony of Ecoparmland on the 25th. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The healing and therapeutic equestrian complex, on an 8,474-square-meter site, is equipped with riding stables, an indoor arena, a circular arena, a walking machine, and a farriery. Projects include operating a public riding center for children, people with disabilities, and socially disadvantaged groups; leasing facilities to promote private equestrian competitions; and training and distributing domestically bred riding horses.

The companion animal complex, on a 1,406-square-meter site, includes a cat adoption center, playgrounds, a companion animal education center, and play areas. Various adoption, education, and play programs are conducted to promote a culture of respect for life.

Gyeonggi Province has invested a total of 124.6 billion won in Ecoparmland over the past 17 years to lead the future of Korea's livestock industry, including the creation of an integrated agri-fishery R&D cluster. Notably, during Governor Kim Dongyeon's tenure in the 8th popularly elected administration, 60.9 billion won of provincial funds were invested, accelerating the project's completion.

Gyeonggi Province plans to promote various related projects centered on Ecoparmland, such as strengthening research, development, and dissemination of livestock technologies; operating horse culture and youth career experience programs; expanding a culture of respect for companion animals; and revitalizing the horse industry. In cooperation with local livestock farms and private companies, the province aims to establish a safe and healthy supply system for livestock products, including smart, eco-friendly, and animal welfare-oriented livestock models.

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