Donghae City Announces 2026 Administrative Direction... Completing Governance to Enhance Citizens' Income and Happiness

Donghae City Unveils 'Citizen Happiness' Blueprint with 692.4 Billion Won Budget
Declares Leap Toward Becoming a Top 10 Tourist City
Focusing on Hydrogen Economy and Integrated Tourism Complexes

Donghae City in Gangwon Province reported this year's administrative achievements and presented the 2026 budget proposal and the direction for city administration at the 2nd regular session of the 357th Donghae City Council held on the 26th.

Shim Kyu-eon, Mayor of Donghae City, is reporting this year's administrative achievements at the 2nd regular meeting of the 357th Donghae City Council on the 26th. Provided by Donghae City

In his speech, Mayor Shim Kyu-eon emphasized "unwavering governance amid change," and assessed that the city had achieved tangible results in various fields such as the economy, tourism, culture, education, welfare, and sustainable balanced development, despite rapidly changing economic conditions.

This year, Bukpyeong Industrial Complex secured a foundation for growth as a key hub for the hydrogen industry through its designation as a hydrogen-specialized complex and the announcement of its status as an Opportunity Development Zone. Additionally, the regional brand value increased, with Mureung Byeolyucheonji and Dojjaebigol Sky Valley being selected consecutively for Korea's Top 100 Tourist Attractions. Jeoncheon, Mangsang, and Chuam Beaches also became beloved by citizens and tourists alike by adding family-friendly experiential facilities and seasonal themes.

Through urban regeneration of the old downtown area based on a variety of resident participation programs, the city laid the groundwork for a renewed local community and focused on expanding education and welfare infrastructure that encompasses all generations. The city also achieved highly visible results for citizens by increasing Donghae Pay incentives and providing support for small business owners' interest payments and card fees.

The city’s administrative goal for 2026 is "A Donghae where citizens’ incomes increase and their lives are happier," with a focus on: accelerating future growth engines; transforming into a tourism and leisure city; building a smart city; realizing a customized education and welfare city where everyone enjoys multiple forms of happiness; and promoting sustainable balanced development.

In the field of new growth, the city will lead the realization of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province as a future industry global city by relocating functions of Donghae and Mukho Ports, and will strengthen support for hydrogen companies to make the hydrogen economy a breakthrough for regional growth.

In tourism, Mureung Byeolyucheonji will be systematically developed into a complex tourism district while maintaining its identity, and Jeoncheon will be transformed into a waterfront tourism route with marine leisure facilities through local river maintenance projects, aiming to become one of the nation’s top 10 tourist cities.

For smart city development, the city plans to create changes that citizens can feel throughout the city by opening a new road between Naan-dong and Bong-o Village, preparing for next year’s Provincial Sports Festival, undergrounding power lines, and establishing a smart media street.

In welfare and education, the city will fully implement Donghae-style integrated care, carry out green remodeling of senior centers, and expand activity spaces for youth and young adults, aiming to create an education and welfare city where all generations are happy.

In addition, the city plans to actively develop policies linked to national agenda items to overcome local crises, and will focus on projects to address low birth rates and revive the local economy.

Based on these initiatives, Donghae City announced that it has allocated a total budget of 692.4 billion won for next year, distributing it evenly across all areas of city administration.

Mayor Shim stated, "We will complete an administration that increases citizens’ incomes and happiness in life," adding, "We will continue to practice open governance that centers on citizens and listens attentively to their voices."

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