Gyeonggi Province Launches Development Plan for Peace Economy Special Zones, Accelerating Growth in Border Areas

Gyeonggi Province Holds Kickoff Briefing Session
for Peace Economy Special Zone Development Plan
Targeting Yeoncheon, Paju, and Pocheon

On May 13, Gyeonggi Province held a kickoff briefing session for the "Gyeonggi Province Peace Economy Special Zone Development Plan Establishment Research Service" at the situation room of the Northern Government Complex, officially launching the development plan for designating peace economy special zones in the border areas of northern Gyeonggi.

The Peace Economy Special Zone is a national strategic project that combines the values of peace and security with industrial and economic functions, focusing on the inter-Korean border region. If designated as a Peace Economy Special Zone, various benefits are granted, such as corporate tax, local tax, and levy reductions, as well as financial support. Industrial park-type, tourism and culture-type, or complex-type special zones can be established. Gyeonggi Province plans to conduct the "Gyeonggi Province Peace Economy Special Zone Development Plan Establishment Research Service" for three candidate areas: Yeoncheon County, Paju City, and Pocheon City (listed in alphabetical order).

This research service was prepared to proactively respond to the designation of Peace Economy Special Zones within the border areas of Gyeonggi Province, in accordance with the Ministry of Unification's first basic plan for Peace Economy Special Zones. Around 20 participants attended the briefing session, including representatives from Gyeonggi Province, Yeoncheon County, Paju City, Pocheon City, external experts, and the research service provider.

Beginning with the kickoff briefing session, Gyeonggi Province will proceed with developing the concept and establishing the business plan by August. Then, in September 2026, the province plans to propose the designation of the Peace Economy Special Zone to the Ministry of Unification. After that, Gyeonggi Province will consider submitting an additional designation proposal in August 2027, and aims to complete the final report and conclude the research service between September and October 2027.

For effective development planning, Gyeonggi Province will also establish and operate a working-level consultative body comprising the province, cities and counties, and the research service provider. Through this consultative body, Gyeonggi Province will specify the development plan by checking the progress for each candidate site, coordinating current issues, and discussing schedules. Regular monthly meetings and ad-hoc meetings as needed will be held.

Gyeonggi Province will oversee the development plan, coordinate with cities and counties, respond to central government ministries, and propose institutional improvements. Yeoncheon County, Paju City, and Pocheon City will be responsible for providing basic data for each candidate site, implementing administrative procedures such as various impact assessments, and responding on the ground. The research service provider, the Seoul National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, will analyze the status of candidate sites, devise development concepts, establish land use plans, and support the preparation of application materials for special zone designation.

Park Hyunseok, Director General of the Peace Cooperation Bureau, stated, "The province, cities and counties, and experts will work together to establish a feasible development plan, and we will do our utmost to prepare for the designation of the special zone so that the border regions of Gyeonggi Province can become a new growth hub."