South Korea Designates First Water Circulation Promotion Zones

The South Korean government has designated the cities of Gunsan, Jecheon, and Jeungpyeong in North Chungcheong Province, as well as Cheonan in South Chungcheong Province, as the nation’s first water circulation promotion zones. This initiative aims to address complex water issues exacerbated by climate change, including droughts and floods.

The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on June 9 that it will officially designate these four local governments as water circulation promotion zones on June 10, initiating the establishment of tailored water management systems. This designation marks the first application of the 'Act on Promotion and Support of Water Circulation,' which was enacted in 2023.

A total of 13 local governments participated in the application process for this initiative. After a comprehensive evaluation of the project plans based on excellence, implementation capacity, financial equity, and urgency, the final four were selected following a review by the watershed management committee.

The selected areas were assessed to have significant vulnerabilities in water management. Gunsan and Cheonan were identified as regions with high vulnerability in water circulation and management assessments. Jecheon and Jeungpyeong have faced recurring river flooding and unstable water supply issues, necessitating prioritized responses.

Water circulation promotion zones are designated to comprehensively improve water usage, water-related disasters, and water quality and aquatic ecosystem issues. Following the designation, the ministry will develop a comprehensive water circulation promotion plan, with local governments participating as project implementers to carry out specific initiatives.

Key projects will include infrastructure expansion to prevent flooding, establishing a stable water supply system, improving water quality, and restoring river ecosystems. The focus will be on integrating previously separate water supply and drainage systems with river and water resource facilities to enhance local water circulation systems.

The ministry plans to form regional consultative bodies to gather opinions from local governments, related agencies, and experts, and to develop detailed execution plans for the water circulation promotion projects. Additionally, discussions will be held to explore institutional improvements and policy support measures.

Furthermore, the government intends to begin the comprehensive planning process this month and will collaborate with local governments to refine project details.

Jo Hee-song, head of the water management policy office at the ministry, stated, "The designation of water circulation promotion zones is the first step in integrated water management to respond to the climate crisis. We will ensure that projects tailored to local characteristics are implemented smoothly, allowing citizens to enjoy a safer living environment free from floods and droughts."