Gangwon Province Breaks Ground on New Government Office in Goeun-ri After 130 Years... Completion Targeted for 2029

Gangwon Province Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony in Goeun-ri
5 Billion Won Invested, Completion Targeted for 2029
Smart Government Building to Feature 1,600-Vehicle Parking and More
Governor Kim Jin-tae: "A Turning Point for Gangwon's Leap Forward"

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province has taken a historic first step toward relocating its provincial government office, 130 years after the establishment of the Gangwon Provincial Office in 1896.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Government Building on the site of the new building in Goeun-ri, Dongnae-myeon, Chuncheon City on the 30th. Provided by Gangwon Province

On March 30, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province held a grand groundbreaking ceremony for its new provincial government building at the site in Goeun-ri, Dongnae-myeon, Chuncheon City. The event was attended by key figures including Governor Kim Jin-tae, National Assembly member Han Ki-ho, Provincial Council Chairman Kim Si-seong, and more than 1,000 local residents who gathered to celebrate the opening of a new era for the provincial government office.

The construction project for the new government building will involve an investment of approximately 500 billion won and will be developed as a resident-centered complex administrative and cultural space.

The new government building will be constructed on a site of about 100,000 square meters, with two basement levels and nine above-ground floors. It will feature a multipurpose auditorium, a large front plaza, and a rooftop garden, creating an open space that residents can visit, interact, and use at any time.

In particular, to address one of the main inconveniences of the current building—parking shortages—the new building will include parking facilities for more than 1,600 vehicles. This will both improve convenience for residents and enhance administrative efficiency, making it a smart government building.

The province plans to begin basic infrastructure work such as site development and access roads this year, with full-scale construction to start in the second half of the year, aiming for completion in 2029.

Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, is delivering a greeting at the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office, held on the site of the new office in Goeun-ri, Dongnae-myeon, Chuncheon City on the 30th. Provided by Gangwon Province

Governor Kim Jin-tae said, "Many people are here with us today, but above all, I am most grateful to the residents of Goeun-ri," and added, "Today, we stand in a historic place."

He continued, "The relocation of the provincial office is happening for the first time in 130 years, since the Gangwon Provincial Office first settled at the foot of Bongui Mountain during the reign of Emperor Gojong in 1896. Now, it will newly settle at the foot of Daeryong Mountain," emphasizing, "Based on the current office building, this is the first relocation in 69 years." He further stated, "The construction of this new government building will serve as a turning point for a groundbreaking leap befitting the elevated status of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province."

Governor Kim also explained the rationale behind selecting the site in Goeun-ri: "The decision was made by gathering residents' opinions based on objective standards and principles through the Site Selection Committee, and there are clear reasons why Goeun-ri was chosen as the site for the new government building." He elaborated, "First, the proximity to the expressway was prioritized to ensure easy access for all residents. Second, considering the increasing administrative demand and future scalability in Chuncheon, the provincial capital, this location was determined to be the most suitable."

He added, "Relocating the provincial office is not an easy task. If we get caught up in small complaints and various opinions, even after 10, 50, or 100 years, the relocation may never happen. At the very least, there is already consensus on moving to the foot of Daeryong Mountain in Goeun-ri, Dongnae-myeon."

Kim continued, "Today's groundbreaking marks the first step in line with the consensus among residents," adding, "I fully understand concerns about the current government office's location in the old downtown area, and we have already presented a comprehensive plan for its future use. Going forward, we will actively listen to your suggestions and reflect them as much as possible."

Gangwon Province Governor Jin Tae Kim is delivering a greeting at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gangwon Province New Government Office held on the site of the new office building in Goeun-ri, Dongnae-myeon, Chuncheon City on the 30th. Provided by Gangwon Province

Governor Kim concluded, "Three years ago, we changed the name from Gangwon-do to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and today is the first day we are building a new home for the province. Just as everyone united to help us become a special self-governing province three years ago, I ask that you all continue to lend your strong support as we open this new era."

Meanwhile, the province recently announced on March 23 that it plans to develop the site of the current provincial government office into a complex cultural space by integrating public institutions, recreating Chuncheon’s temporary palace, and transforming Bongui Mountain into a tourist attraction.

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