Ganghwa County Launches Short-term Development Plan for Seodo-myeon
[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Shin Eun-seop] Ganghwa County has established a ‘Short-term Development Plan for Seodo-myeon’ for balanced regional development and has begun full-scale project implementation.
Seodo-myeon is separated from Ganghwa's main island by sea routes and is largely restricted by civilian control lines and military protection zones, making it a disadvantaged area. In response, the county has gathered residents' opinions and established the ‘Short-term Development Plan for Seodo-myeon’ with a goal of project completion by 2024 to foster regional development and improve residents' income and living standards.
The plan encompasses 4 fields and 17 projects with a total investment of 108.4 billion won: ▲Quality of life field with 2 projects (3 billion won) ▲Tourism field with 6 projects (2.3 billion won) ▲Infrastructure expansion field with 5 projects (102.2 billion won) ▲Other field with 4 projects (800 million won).
Major projects include ▲Comprehensive improvements to Daebin Beach, Dwitjangsul Beach, and Salgot Port ▲Creation of premium Nadle Trail courses ▲Development of premium Canker Rose trails in front of Apjangsul Beach ▲Maintenance and rest area construction for Bonggusan hiking trails ▲Construction of ticket booths and public restrooms at Salgot Pier ▲Opening of direct sales markets for agricultural and specialty products ▲Expansion and distribution of regional specialty foods ▲Organization of mobile cultural performances ▲Creation of welfare, cultural, and tourism spaces at Boleum Island ▲Road expansion projects connecting tourism infrastructure at Boleum Island ▲Road expansion projects connecting tourism infrastructure at Jumun Island ▲Expansion of public sewerage systems.
The county has submitted an application for preliminary feasibility study exemption to expedite implementation of the ‘Seodo-myeon Bridge Construction Project (740 billion won)’, which addresses residents' most pressing infrastructure needs. The county plans to secure all necessary project funds from national and provincial budgets to ensure effective project implementation.
Meanwhile, the county opened new sea routes in March that drastically shortened travel time from the existing 1 hour and 40 minutes to 35 minutes, and increased ferry service frequency. The shortened and separate routes address a long-standing wish of Seodo-myeon residents and represent a priority initiative by the county to improve residential conditions through reduced passenger ferry travel time.
County Governor Yu Cheon-ho stated, “Regional disparities must be eliminated through balanced development, and new development strategies are needed to respond to changing circumstances,” adding, “We will swiftly begin projects to establish residential foundations through infrastructure expansion and revitalize the local economy by creating new tourism demand.”
(Photo) County Governor Yu Cheon-ho announces establishment of Seodo-myeon short-term development plan