Changwon Jinhae-gu Partners with Navy for Regional Win-Win Development

Expansion of Naval Education Command Parking Lot and Promotion of Military Family Discount Stores

Jinhae District Office, Changwon City. (Photo by Changwon City)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] On the 29th, Jinhae-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongnam Province announced that it has decided to cooperate with the Navy for mutual regional development.

Jinhae-gu, a representative naval port city of Korea and home to the Navy Jinhae Base Command, is closely working with the Navy to enhance various convenience facilities and commercial districts for military personnel and their families who visit or reside in the area.

This decision by Jinhae-gu and the Navy is the result of efforts to establish a close cooperative relationship with the Navy through successive visits to the Naval Academy, Jinhae Base Command, and Navy Education Command.

First, Jinhae-gu addressed parking difficulties by expanding the coastal Sokcheon Coastal Road, responding to the increase in visitors to Jinhaeru, one of the district’s representative tourist attractions, and the Education Command. The road expansion project is planned to be carried out within this year. After installing necessary military facilities on 2,292㎡ of the coastal road area near the Education Command, the land will be transferred to create an on-street parking lot. This project is being promoted through a donation-for-transfer agreement with the Ministry of National Defense.

The total project cost is 2.6 billion KRW. Since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of National Defense in September last year, the detailed design is in its final stages. Construction is scheduled to begin within the year and the project is expected to be completed by the first half of next year. Additionally, Jinhae-gu operates the ‘Navy Love Vitality UP Military Family Discount’ program to continue mutual prosperity with the Navy.

This program offers a 5% to 10% discount when military personnel and their families visit designated discount businesses such as restaurants and lodging facilities by presenting their uniform or enlistment notice. Currently, 145 establishments including restaurants, lodging, and bathhouses are designated for discounts applicable to the Navy and others. It is reported that this has significantly contributed to increasing sales for local small business owners.

Choi In-joo, head of Jinhae-gu Office, stated, "Jinhae-gu is a traditional naval port city, and cooperation with the military is essential. We will continue to foster a ‘win-win’ atmosphere for mutual benefit," adding, "We will actively promote policies that help military personnel."