Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwachun County in Gangwon Province, expressed his desire to incorporate sauna and recreational facilities observed in Rovaniemi, Finland, into Hwachun's tourism offerings.
From September 7 to 11, Mayor Kim shared updates on his Facebook page, titled 'Governing Diary,' detailing his participation in the World Winter Cities Conference and local site visits. As his schedule concluded, he outlined the facilities he hopes to introduce at the Sancheoneo Festival site, Bungeoseom Island, and along the Bukhan River.
Among the facilities he wishes to implement is a Finnish-style sauna. After touring local facilities, he expressed interest in introducing this sauna at next year's Sancheoneo Festival. He also proposed adding igloo experience areas, a Sancheoneo thermometer tower, and souvenir shops at the festival site.
For Bungeoseom Island, he envisions a forest experience area and children's play facilities. After visiting a wooden play equipment manufacturer and a children's park, he indicated a desire to establish play spaces in Hwachun-eup and Sannae-myeon.
He also identified the swimming pool and dock he saw along the Rovaniemi riverbank as potential additions for Hwachun. He suggested a swimming pool along the Bukhan River and a docking facility for motorboats to support training camps for rowing and canoeing.
During his visit, Mayor Kim requested the Rovaniemi officials and member cities of the World Winter Cities Conference to donate bells symbolizing their cities. He plans to use these bells to enhance the World Peace Bell Park in Hwachun and organize a joint ringing event.
Comments on his governing diary expressed enthusiasm for the proposed facilities. One comment noted, 'The Finnish sauna is truly appealing. It would be great to introduce it at the Sancheoneo Festival.' There were also positive reactions to the plans for utilizing the Mullebang Park in Hwachun.
Some comments urged careful selection of projects. 'I hope the items chosen for Hwachun are well-selected and receive applause for their success,' one user wrote, while another added, 'I wish for beautiful progress, one step at a time.'
Mayor Kim shared his local itinerary in the governing diary, stating, 'I will create each project while listening to the valuable opinions of our residents.' However, he noted that the proposed facilities are still in the planning stage, and details regarding the implementation of individual projects, including budgets and timelines, have not yet been provided.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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