[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, promised on the 16th to develop Gangwon Province into a "global peace tourism destination beyond just a recreational area for metropolitan citizens." He stated that he would pursue inter-Korean coexistence through a practical North Korea policy that benefits both the South and the North, including the resumption of tours to Mount Kumgang.
Continuing his schedule in Gangwon Province from the previous day, Lee announced the "Gangwon Province Pledge" at the Unification Observatory in Goseong, Gangwon Province. He said, "I will ensure that the 'border area' and the 'DMZ' no longer function as constraints but as opportunities," adding, "Gangwon can become a center for digital and green energy industries."
He introduced his plan, saying, "I will make Gangwon a Special Peace Autonomous Province," and "by designating a special peace economic zone and simplifying procedures for exchanges and trade, we will continuously promote inter-Korean economic cooperation and joint resource development."
He continued, "We will establish an East Sea and DMZ international tourism joint special zone and resume Mount Kumgang tours," emphasizing, "We will reopen the Mount Kumgang tourism, which has been closed since 2008, as quickly as possible." Lee also stated, "We will create an East Sea international tourism joint special zone stretching from Wonsan to Mount Kumgang, Goseong, and Gangneung, as agreed upon by the South and North Korean leaders in 2018, and promote DMZ peace ecological tourism, which has attracted global interest."
Lee pledged to grow Gangwon's industries by establishing a data-driven bio-health convergence belt, supporting the establishment of a neutralizing antibody therapeutic development support center, and expanding infrastructure such as hydrogen, wind power, and bioenergy. Additionally, he promised to foster marine, mountain, and inland tourism by utilizing the province's pristine environment, expand transportation networks for the Korean Peninsula's peace economy, and establish an economic self-reliance foundation for abandoned mines and border areas.
Lee said, "Gangwon Province has suffered the greatest sacrifices in the 70 years of division and inter-Korean confrontation," adding, "Special sacrifices for the Korean community deserve special compensation. I will properly develop it as the mecca of the digital and green New Deal leading the era of the Korean Peninsula peace economy."
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