Governor Choi Sanggi of Inje County Wins Local Autonomy Award at the 3rd Gangwon Forest Environment Awards

Choi Sanggi, Governor of Inje County, was recognized for his efforts to secure funding for active projects in the forestry and environment sectors, having secured a total related budget of 153.1 billion won, and received the Local Autonomy Award at the 3rd Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Forest Environment Awards.

Inje County Governor Choi Sanggi is receiving the Autonomous Region Award at the 3rd Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Forest Environment Awards. Provided by Inje County

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Inje County has positioned its abundant forest resources as a key driver of regional development, demonstrating strong initiative by managing and advancing projects across various sectors.

Notably, Inje County is currently promoting the “Healing Forest Creation Project” by securing 5 billion won in project funding to meet the public’s demand for forest recreation. The project will establish a healing center, therapeutic gardens, and forest experience facilities on a 62.4-hectare site in Nambuk-ri, Inje-eup. Administrative procedures are underway with the goal of starting construction in March 2026. The county plans to develop a forest tourism belt in connection with the Gaetgol Natural Recreation Forest, transforming the area into a long-stay forest welfare hub.

Additionally, a local garden project worth 19.5 billion won is underway in Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon. This year, the first phase was completed with 2 billion won invested in waterfront maintenance and pipeline installation. The project aims to be completed as a year-round garden city in line with the opening of the Chuncheon-Sokcho East-West High-Speed Railway in 2027.

Furthermore, a timber culture experience center is being established in the Wondaeri Birch Forest area, which attracts over 400,000 visitors annually, with an investment of 5.2 billion won. The project includes a timber utilization experience center, an imagination playground, and a birch garden, with plans to expand forest welfare services and experiential programs. The county is also working to designate a “Forest Utilization Promotion Zone” that will include 200 hectares of national and communal forests.

In addition, Inje County is actively pursuing environment-related projects to conserve ecological resources and expand eco-friendly infrastructure, such as the construction of a wetland center (5.5 billion won), a public livestock manure treatment facility (29.6 billion won), and an organic waste biogas facility (39.1 billion won).

Governor Choi Sanggi stated, “Forests and the environment are Inje’s greatest competitive assets and the foundation for future growth. We will continue to do our utmost to secure funding through close cooperation with central government agencies and to further expand forest welfare and environmental policies that residents can truly experience.”

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