Bukpyeong District in Gangwon Achieves 97% Sales Rate After 30 Years, Driven by Hydrogen Cluster Success

Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon, Holds On-site Meeting in Bukpyeong District
A Major Leap Toward Becoming a "Hydrogen Industry Hub"
"97% Sales Achieved Through Hydrogen Industry" - Pledges Support for Companies

Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, held an on-site meeting on the 28th with representatives from six resident companies in the Bukpyeong District of the Gangwon Free Economic Zone, where he listened directly to the companies’ opinions.

Exterior view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

This meeting was organized to hear the voices of businesses firsthand and to discuss response measures based on their feedback.

In particular, the meeting was held at the Green Hydrogen R&D Demonstration Complex, emphasizing a field-oriented approach that seeks to gather companies’ difficulties from the early stages of the project.

The companies presented a range of opinions, including expanding participation of local businesses, alleviating cost burdens, and strengthening support for permits and approvals.

The province announced that it would thoroughly review the suggestions from the companies in collaboration with relevant provincial departments and related organizations to devise swift solutions.

Additionally, the province plans to institutionalize regular communication sessions with resident companies to continuously listen to on-site feedback and develop solutions.

Bukpyeong District has finalized occupancy contracts with a total of 18 companies, achieving a sales and lease rate of 97%. This marks the first time in 30 years since the completion of the Bukpyeong National Industrial Complex in 1995 that virtually all plots have been contracted.

Notably, since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, the number of companies signing occupancy contracts has increased from four to fourteen, accelerating corporate attraction.

Factors that have significantly enhanced the district’s locational competitiveness include the designation of the hydrogen storage and transportation cluster (2023), the designation as an Opportunity Development Zone (2024), and the opening of the Donghae Line (2025).

Currently, 83% of resident companies are hydrogen-related, and the linkage of hydrogen value chain companies is accelerating, centered around Korea East-West Power.

With the addition of LS Cable’s partner companies, the transformation into an energy infrastructure-centered industrial complex is progressing rapidly.

Shim Youngseop, Commissioner of the Gangwon Free Economic Zone Authority, stated that, based on on-site feedback, the authority will meticulously refine systems and infrastructure to transition into a hydrogen-based energy industry zone, systematically implement follow-up measures such as improving site conditions and supporting permits, and accelerate the establishment of an industrial ecosystem where companies and the local community grow together.

Governor Kim Jin-tae said, “Bukpyeong District has achieved a 97% sales and lease rate through the hydrogen industry for the first time in 30 years,” adding, “The province will provide the utmost support so that companies can freely conduct their business activities.”

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