Lee Jae Myung Announces Gangwon Pledges via Social Media
Promises to Finalize Third Revision of Gangwon Special Act
No Mention of North Korea or Related Issues
Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential pre-candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on April 23 his vision to develop Gangwon Province into a global tourism hub. He also pledged to strengthen the transportation network between Gangwon Province and the Seoul metropolitan area.
On this day, Lee unveiled his regional pledges through social media. Referring to Gangwon Province, he mentioned the coal industry, which has now become a declining sector, and stated, "Gangwon has made special sacrifices for the national community. Now, the nation must provide appropriate special compensation for those sacrifices." Specifically, he said, "We will develop the East Sea region of Gangwon into a strategic base for the Pan-East Sea economic zone, leading northern trade." He also pledged, "We will foster floating offshore wind power and hydrogen energy industries to make Gangwon a center of energy transition." Regarding Chuncheon, Wonju, and Gangneung, he stated, "We will nurture advanced medical convergence industries based on AI and digital technology, and enhance the future mobility competitiveness of Hoengseong, Wonju, and Yeongwol." He also expressed his intention to finalize the third revision of the Gangwon Special Act, which expands the authority and autonomy of Gangwon Province.
Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential pre-candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea. Yonhap News.
Regarding the development of the tourism industry, he said, "We will utilize the Olympic legacy of Pyeongchang and Gangneung to create a global integrated resort where K-culture, sports, and nature converge." He added, "We will turn the ecological resources and historical and cultural assets of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the East Coast and its border areas, which are drawing global attention, into a special peace tourism zone."
On transportation, he pledged the timely completion of the East-West High-Speed Railway and the Donghae Northern Line, support for extending the metropolitan express railway (GTX)-B line to Chuncheon, and the promotion of connecting the GTX-D line to Wonju. However, there was no mention of North Korea or other issues previously linked to Gangwon's development strategies. He did state, however, "We will establish border areas such as Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, Inje, and Goseong as special peace economy zones."
He also promised to advance Gangwon Province's disaster response system. Lee pledged to introduce additional doctor helicopters and secure firefighting helicopters for the Yeongseo northern region (Chuncheon) and the Yeongdong region (Gangneung).
Lee stated, "Now, a new Gangwon Province will be reborn as a center of future industries and a global tourism city, moving beyond its coal industry past," and added, "As a symbol of modern Korean history, a driving force of recovery and growth, we will leap forward together to create a truly special Gangwon."
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