Hyungduk Park Vows "Economic Transformation Through K-Defense and Tourism... Will Reshape Dongducheon's Economic Landscape"

Hyungduk Park Announces Economic Pledges for Dongducheon Mayoral Race
Unveils Key Policies Centered on Defense and Tourism
Pledges K-Defense Cluster and International Speed Skating Rink
Presents Vision for Dongducheon as Northern Gyeonggi Economic Hub with GTX-C Expansion

Hyungduk Park, the People Power Party candidate for mayor of Dongducheon, announced his key economic pledges centered on the K-defense industry and the tourism and leisure sectors, stating, "I will usher in a new era of economic transformation in Dongducheon together with our citizens, fundamentally reshaping the city's economic landscape."

Hyungduk Park, candidate for mayor of Dongducheon. Photo provided by Hyungduk Park

In his economic pledges announced on the 19th, Park highlighted, "During the 8th popularly elected administration, we laid the foundation for Dongducheon's major leap forward by initiating the construction of the national industrial complex and establishing the groundwork for the expansion of the GTX-C transportation network." He emphasized, "In the 9th administration, our goal is for Dongducheon to become the leading economic hub of northern Gyeonggi Province, integrating K-defense, high-tech, and tourism industries."

The core elements of his pledges include: ▲Establishing a K-defense industry cluster ▲Attracting an international speed skating rink ▲Relocating and attracting the Gwacheon Racecourse ▲Expanding development of Soyo Mountain and fostering the forest wellness tourism industry ▲Innovating job opportunities for youth and middle-aged residents.

Park first presented his vision to develop Dongducheon into Korea's premier defense industry city through the creation of a K-defense industry cluster. Citing the example of Huntsville, a leading U.S. defense city, he said he aims to build an industrial ecosystem where major defense corporations and parts/software partners are co-located, generating an economic impact of 1.53 trillion won and creating high-quality jobs.

He also unveiled strategies to invigorate the tourism and leisure industry. By attracting an international speed skating rink, Park aims to establish Dongducheon as a global hub for ice sports, and to turn the returned Bukcastle site into a world-class winter sports landmark, thereby revitalizing local businesses through increased inflow of athletes and tourists.

The pledge to relocate and attract the Gwacheon Racecourse was also included. Park explained that, based on securing annual tax revenue of 100 billion won and drawing in 5 million visitors per year, he will build a leading multi-leisure cluster in the metropolitan area that combines a theme park with accommodations and cultural facilities.

He also proposed expanding the development of Soyo Mountain and fostering the forest wellness tourism industry. By expanding campsites, theme parks, and forest healing content, the plan is to shift existing hiking-based tourism to a stay-type tourism model, simultaneously stimulating local consumption and creating new jobs.

Job policies for both youth and middle-aged residents were also included. Park pledged to establish the foundation for an economic city where businesses and people gather, through initiatives such as: ▲Supporting startups and re-employment for middle-aged people (ages 50-70) in connection with Korea Polytechnic University's Dongducheon Campus ▲Nurturing future talent in AI and defense sectors ▲Building a dedicated support system for corporate attraction ▲Supporting smart agriculture and livestock development and providing farm management stability packages.

Park stated, "I will build a city where young people do not leave, companies invest, and small business owners regain their vitality," adding, "Together with the citizens, I will complete the economic transformation that will secure Dongducheon's future for the next 100 years."

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