[Exclusive] Wicheon Stone Materials Complex in Geochang Faces Urgent Need for Conversion to General Industrial Complex as Operating Rate Plummets

The very purpose of the industrial complex is being called into question
Wide-ranging input gathered from the cooperative, tenant factories, and residents

As the Wicheon Stone Materials Complex in Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province, is effectively losing its function, the issue of converting it into a general industrial complex has emerged as a task that can no longer be delayed.

With the prolonged downturn in the stone materials market, the complex's operating rate has dropped sharply, calling into question the very purpose for which the industrial complex was established.

When the Wicheon Stone Materials Complex was first created, it served as an outpost for the regional stone materials industry. However, in recent years, a reduction in quarry permits and a decline in raw material demand have combined to shrink business activity. The scale of production within the complex has decreased significantly compared to the past.

Geochang Wicheon Stone Cooperative Exterior Photo

Members of the Wicheon Stone Materials Cooperative are urging for a conversion to a general industrial complex, stating, "With the current structure, there is neither justification nor competitiveness to maintain the complex."

They further insist, "Geochang County must promptly initiate administrative procedures and simultaneously conduct environmental and traffic reviews, as well as prepare support measures for businesses, in order to accelerate the conversion process."

If converted into a general industrial complex, it would become possible to attract a diverse range of companies in manufacturing, processing, and logistics, overcoming the limitations of the current stone materials-focused structure.

Han Kyungwon, head of the Geochang Stone Materials Cooperative, stated, "It is true that the Wicheon Stone Materials Complex has played a significant role in the regional stone materials industry since its establishment. However, due to recent economic changes, operating the complex has become increasingly difficult, and it is time to set a new direction."

He added, "Converting to a general industrial complex could help revitalize the complex by enabling the attraction of companies from various sectors. However, it is crucial to ensure sufficient consultation and support measures so that existing stone materials companies do not suffer disadvantages during the transition process."

An official from the county government commented, "Whether or not the Wicheon Stone Materials Complex will be converted into a general industrial complex will be determined by comprehensively reviewing the current operating rate of the complex, changes in the regional industry, and future development potential. While we fully recognize the need to attract new industries due to the ongoing stagnation in the stone materials sector, it is most important to guarantee the stable business operations of existing resident companies during the transition process."

The official further responded, "If an application for a general industrial complex is submitted, environmental and traffic impacts, infrastructure expansion, and support measures must all be addressed simultaneously, so we will carefully review the relevant procedures."

Meanwhile, Geochang County plans to gather a wide range of opinions from the cooperative, tenant factories, and residents, and make a final decision in a direction that will support the long-term development of the complex.

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