Overcoming Overlapping Regulations and the Climate Crisis: "Securing Water Security in Northern Gyeonggi by Utilizing the Hantan River Dam"

Daejin University and Assemblyman Kim Yongtae Hold Seminar
"How to Address Water Shortage in the Northern Gyeonggi Border Area"
Exploring Potential Use of the Hantan River Dam and Shared River Management
Seeking Strategies for Water Security in Border Areas and National Balanced Development

Daejin University (President Jang Seokhwan) and Assemblyman Kim Yongtae (Pocheon-Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, People Power Party) held a seminar titled "How to Address Water Shortage in the Northern Gyeonggi Border Area" on the 4th at Meeting Room 8 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. They discussed structural and policy solutions to the water shortage in northern Gyeonggi, which is worsening due to overlapping regulations and the climate crisis.

Jang Seokhwan, President of Daejin University, and Kim Yongtae, Member of the National Assembly (Pocheon-Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, People Power Party), are holding a seminar titled "How to Address Water Shortage in the Northern Gyeonggi Border Area" on the 4th at Meeting Room 8 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Provided by Daejin University

This seminar was organized to address the reality that the northern Gyeonggi border region, which has long made sacrifices for national security and environmental preservation, is relatively marginalized in urban development and industrial promotion. The event sought to explore mid- to long-term strategies for ensuring stable water welfare and water security.

In his opening remarks, Assemblyman Kim Yongtae stated, "Although residents of northern Gyeonggi have endured sacrifices for national security and public safety for a long time, they are now facing water shortages due to various overlapping regulations and infrastructure constraints. We must actively consider new water resource strategies, such as reviewing the potential use of the Hantan River Dam as a water source and constructing seasonal water-dedicated dams."

He continued, "Shared rivers such as the Imjin River and Bukhan River are not just sources of water, but are strategic assets based on security. We will address this as a key national balanced development task through watershed-based water management and customized policy support that reflects the unique characteristics of border areas."

In his welcoming remarks, President Jang Seokhwan of Daejin University pointed out, "Considering the repeated droughts and floods caused by climate change and the unique characteristics of border areas, the water shortage in northern Gyeonggi cannot be solved by technical measures alone. There is an urgent need to shift to watershed-based integrated water management and water security-focused policies, and we must also address the constraints on water resource infrastructure caused by overlapping regulations."

President Jang added, "Daejin University will continue to propose policy alternatives closely aligned with the realities of border areas based on academic research, and will contribute to the sustainable development of northern Gyeonggi through cooperation with the local community and the National Assembly."

In the keynote presentation, Professor Kang Busik of Dankook University conducted a comprehensive analysis of the climate crisis and the characteristics of border area watersheds. He proposed diversification of water sources through: expanding new supply sources based on water reuse; establishing watershed-based decentralized storage and recharge systems; strengthening interconnection between wide-area networks and watersheds; and making complementary use of the Hantan River Dam and existing dams.

Professor Kang especially suggested viewing the border area watershed as a single integrated management unit and proposed a phased roadmap linking water reuse, existing dams, and new infrastructure.

Next, Professor Kwon Hyeonhan of Sejong University explained the complex conditions in northern Gyeonggi, such as flood risks in the Imjin River, military and environmental regulations, and increasing demand for industrial and domestic water. He presented policy alternatives including: adjusting water resource infrastructure in connection with easing military regulations; reorganizing the efficient use and management of the Amicheon Dam; conducting joint surveys and establishing water management systems for shared border rivers; and introducing smart water grids.

Professor Kwon emphasized, "Only by establishing an integrated water management system that considers both the characteristics of shared rivers and the security environment can we ensure both the right to survival and regional competitiveness for residents of border areas."

The comprehensive discussion was chaired by Professor Oh Kyungdoo of the Korea Military Academy. Panelists included Oh Gyuchang, President of the Korea River Association; Ahn Jaehyun, Vice President of the Korean Water Resources Association; Jang Mijeong, Local Administration Officer at the Gyeonggi Province Water Resources Headquarters; Do Gibong, Director of Water Resources Planning at Korea Water Resources Corporation; and Kim Kyungmin, Legislative Researcher at the National Assembly Research Service. The panelists engaged in in-depth discussions, presenting policy and institutional improvement measures from various perspectives, including expanding wide-area water supply systems, increasing water reuse, joint management of shared border rivers, linking military and environmental regulations with water resource policies, and establishing watershed-based governance.

In his closing remarks, Assemblyman Kim Yongtae stated, "The prolonged drought, changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change, and limited water resource infrastructure are no longer issues for specific regions, but are challenges directly linked to the sustainability of the entire nation. Based on today's discussions, we will elevate the water shortage issue in northern Gyeonggi, including Pocheon and Yeoncheon, to a major national policy agenda for balanced development, and will work to improve relevant laws, systems, and budget support."

President Jang Seokhwan added, "The water shortage in the northern Gyeonggi border area is not only about securing water resources, but is directly linked to water security, regional security, and improving quality of life. Daejin University will continue to take the lead in research on border area water resource policies and talent development in cooperation with the National Assembly, professional academic societies, local governments, and public institutions."

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