Candidate Jin-tae Kim Visits Cheorwon: "Welcoming Beneficial Migratory Birds, Blocking Harmful Ones"

Jin-tae Kim, Candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province
Visits "DMZ Durumi Peace Town"
Promoting Ecological Tourism While Ensuring Strong AI Quarantine Measures

Jin-tae Kim, candidate for Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited the "DMZ Durumi Peace Town" located in Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon County on the 23rd to check the status of migratory bird activity and presented his vision for the future of tourism utilizing Gangwon's ecological resources.

Kim Jin-tae, candidate for Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited the 'DMZ Durumi Peace Town' located in Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun on the 23rd to check the status of migratory bird activities. Photo provided by candidate Kim Jin-tae

This visit was organized to reaffirm the ecological value of the red-crowned crane, which is the provincial bird and a natural monument, and to express his commitment to developing the migratory bird habitat—designated as a "geological and ecological attraction" in February this year—into a world-class tourist destination.

During his visit, candidate Kim stated, "The migratory birds that come to the Cheorwon Plains are precious guests who symbolize the health of our local ecosystem," adding, "However, as these birds cross over from other regions into Cheorwon, there is a risk of negative impacts such as viruses, so flawless quarantine measures are essential."

In fact, from October last year until April 17 of this year, during the "Special Quarantine Measures Period for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza," there were nine cases of avian influenza virus detected in wild birds at migratory bird habitats in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. However, thanks to swift and preemptive measures, there were no cases of avian influenza in domestic poultry farms throughout the province during this period.

At the event, damage caused by the great cormorant was also discussed. Due to abnormal climate conditions, these birds are no longer just winter visitors but have become resident birds, depleting local freshwater fish resources and causing trees to die from their highly acidic droppings. Candidate Kim highlighted, "When migratory birds from outside settle in Gangwon Province and voraciously consume freshwater fish to fatten themselves, it creates a serious problem," emphasizing the necessity of "expanding incentive programs for capturing harmful wild animals to ensure effective eradication."

Candidate Kim Jintae for Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province visited the "DMZ Durumi Peace Town" located in Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon County on the 23rd to check the current status of migratory bird activity. Photo by Candidate Kim Jintae

Additionally, candidate Jin-tae Kim announced his plan to build a smart tourism model that not only preserves Gangwon's ecological value but also connects it to revitalizing the local economy.

He promised, "By integrating Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province's forests, marine, and ecological resources, I will transform the region into a 'global wellness tourism hub' that attracts visitors from around the world, not just from Korea. Beyond simple sightseeing, I will foster high-value-added tourism content that combines healing, relaxation, and cutting-edge technology, making Gangwon a vibrant, premium tourist destination all year round."

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