Gangwon Institute of Health and Environment Opens New Experimental Research Building, Upgrading Public Health and Safety System

Gangwon Province Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on November 17 that the opening ceremony for the newly constructed Experimental Research Building at the Gangwon Province Institute of Health and Environment was held, further strengthening the public health and safety system for residents.

A view of the Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Province Special Self-Governing Province

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Over 100 people attended the opening ceremony, including Governor Kim Jin-tae, Provincial Council Chairman Kim Si-seong, Vice Chairman of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Jin Jong-ho, Vice Chairman of Safety and Construction Yang Sook-hee, Park Ju-seong, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Institute of Health and Environment, as well as directors of city and provincial health and environment institutes, heads of municipal and county public health centers, and key officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Since relocating to its current building in 2002, the Institute of Health and Environment has seen an increase in research and investigation work due to the expansion of national inspection and monitoring projects, resulting in a steady growth in both equipment and personnel.

Back in 2002, the institute operated with one department handling 35 tasks; today, it has expanded to four departments managing 101 tasks, and the number of staff has nearly doubled from 62 to 121.

Equipment has also grown significantly, from just 57 units in 2002 to 536 units as of 2023-an increase of nearly ninefold. This expansion in personnel and equipment led to space shortages, which highlighted the need for a new experimental research building.

In response, the province carried out a feasibility study and a central investment review, officially breaking ground in September 2023 and completing construction this year.

The new Experimental Research Building was constructed on a 4,820-square-meter site, with one basement level and four above-ground floors, totaling a gross floor area of 4,283 square meters and an investment of 18.9 billion won. With its completion, the diagnostic infrastructure of the regional hub diagnostic center has been strengthened, and the institute achieved first place among all national health and environment institutes in the "Statutory Infectious Disease Diagnostic Capability" assessment organized by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Governor Kim Jin-tae stated, "It took more than six years to complete the Experimental Research Building at the Institute of Health and Environment," adding, "It has become a problem-solver in critical moments, such as the initial response to norovirus during the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics and daily radiation tests on seafood from the East Coast." He continued, "I hope you will continue to do your utmost to protect the health and safety of our residents."

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