'2040 Mirae Gangwon' Vision and Goals Presented in 'Beltization' Strategy

Selection of 3 Major Goals and 6 Key Promotion Strategies

"2040 Future Gangwon" Comprehensive Development Plan [Provided by Gangwon Province]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Youngcheol] A belt strategy encompassing the vision and goals of Gangwon Province until 2040 has been unveiled.

The province presented 'Northern Peace Economic Zone Hub,' 'Wellness Community,' and 'Northeast Asia One-Day Living Zone Center Gangwon' as the three major goals of 'Future Gangwon 2040.'

Additionally, it includes a vision to grow into a 'Gangwon as a Center of Peace, Prosperity, and Northeast Asia,' incorporating development strategies by sector such as industry, economy, transportation, tourism, and environment, along with development directions for 18 cities and counties.

Furthermore, based on the proposed belt strategy for comprehensive development of Future Gangwon 2040, the plan is to realize the vision and goals of 'Future Gangwon 2040.'

The 'Gangwon Province Comprehensive Plan' is the highest-level statutory plan of Gangwon Province to implement the '5th National Land Comprehensive Plan' based on the Framework Act on National Land. It presents development strategies and policy directions for Gangwon until 2040 and serves as a guideline for subordinate plans of the province and cities/counties.

Looking at the main belt concepts, the strategy includes fostering and supporting future industries to pursue innovative growth and development.

Connecting Chuncheon~Wonju~Taebaek~Samcheok~Gangneung, a hydrogen convergence energy economy belt will be established, and a smart convergence industry belt will be formed linking Chuncheon~Wonju.

Wonju~Pyeongchang~Gangneung will be developed into a smart life and tourism belt, and the East Coast will be made into an energy and resource belt linked with the New Economic Initiative for the Korean Peninsula.

To realize inclusive spatial welfare through specialized development, 'Peace regions,' 'Inland regions,' and 'Closed mine regions' will be designated as balanced development areas within the province.

The development axes of 'East Coast Zone,' 'Resource Energy Economic Zone,' and 'Peace Economic Zone' will be used as regional development promotion and super-regional linkage cooperation projects to complete regional balanced development.

In addition, competitiveness will be enhanced through small and medium-sized city zones, regional specialized city zones, and win-win regional cooperation zones.

Earlier, the province held the final report meeting for 'Future Gangwon 2040,' which prepared the basic concept and sector-specific strategic implementation plans through resident surveys, online opinion submissions, and city/county briefings on the 12th.

After finalizing the opinions from the report meeting, it will be officially approved and announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and finalized early this year. It is expected to be used as a long-term development plan presenting Gangwon Province’s development strategy and future vision until 2040.

Governor Choi Moonsoon stated, "This plan is the minimum response strategy for the future and will serve as a guide for Future Gangwon in preparation for the anticipated population decline and low-growth era. We will implement 'Future Gangwon 2040' so that residents can enjoy a happy one-day living zone."