Cheorwon County in Gangwon Province is bringing its development strategy for a peace economic zone and expanded transportation network to the National Assembly. The plan aims to enhance growth opportunities by simultaneously promoting special zone creation and improving accessibility with neighboring cities and counties.
According to Cheorwon County, Mayor Kim Dong-il will participate as a speaker at the '2026 Peace Area Development Strategy Forum' on November 3 at 2 p.m. in the National Assembly Library auditorium. He will explain the local conditions and development direction of Cheorwon and propose joint development strategies for border areas.
The forum's theme is 'Growth Strategies Linked to the Designation of a Peace Economic Zone and the Peace Area Belt.' It is co-hosted by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Cheorwon, Chuncheon, Sokcho, Hwacheon, Yanggu, Inje, and Goseong, along with the offices of National Assembly members Han Gi-ho, Lee Yang-soo, and Heo Young. Gangwon Ilbo is organizing the event, with support from the Ministry of Unification and the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Provincial Council.
The peace economic zone is a system that provides tax benefits, regulatory exemptions, and infrastructure support to promote development in border areas and enhance inter-Korean exchange and cooperation industries. The Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced plans to designate around four special zones by accepting development plans in two rounds this year and next.
In light of this timeline, the core focus of the event is to connect the special zone proposals from local governments into a joint growth strategy for the Gangwon region. Discussions will center on how to integrate transportation, industry, and tourism functions while preserving the unique characteristics of each area amid limited opportunities for special zone designation.
Cheorwon County's proposal to expand the transportation network aligns with this objective. To translate the benefits of special zone creation into local economic growth, it is essential to consider accessibility for businesses and visitors, as well as transportation conditions with neighboring regions. Therefore, determining the extent to which the special zone development plans can be linked with transportation infrastructure expansion will be a critical aspect of Cheorwon's strategy.
In the actual designation process, the role of Gangwon Province is also significant. Development plans must be drafted by the city and provincial governors and submitted to the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. There is a need for collaboration to incorporate local proposals into provincial plans and refine them into actionable strategies that can undergo government review.
On that day, Kim Sang-guk, head of the Ministry of Unification's Peace Economic Zone Promotion Team, will deliver a keynote speech, and Professor Yang Moon-soo from the Graduate School of North Korean Studies will present the main topic. Following this, mayors from the seven cities and counties, along with officials from Gangwon Province and the Gangwon Research Institute, will engage in discussions. This forum will serve as a platform to review government policies and local proposals.
However, the forum is currently at the stage of discussing development directions and policy alternatives. The materials provided by Cheorwon County do not include details on the location and area of potential special zone sites, the types of industries to be attracted, or plans for related transportation projects and funding. Future plans must be clarified to assess the impact of special zone designation and transportation network expansion on residents' income and job opportunities.
Mayor Kim stated, “It is time for special compensation to be strengthened for border areas that have endured significant sacrifices for national security. We will work closely with relevant agencies and neighboring cities to ensure the designation of a special zone that reflects Cheorwon's characteristics and revitalizes the local economy.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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