Gyeonggi-do Reviews Current Issues on 'Security and Economic Revitalization' in Northern Border Areas

Relocation of Surrounding Military Facilities for Repair and Reinforcement of Paju 'Libigyo'
Compensation Plans for Residents Near Military Airfields and Shooting Ranges in Pocheon and Yeoncheon

Paju City Current Issues Meeting [Gyeonggi-do]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gyeonggi Province has embarked on an on-site visit to inspect current issues in the northern border areas of Gyeonggi.

According to the province on the 21st, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Balanced Development Planning met with heads and deputy heads of local governments, provincial council members, and related officials from Paju, Yeoncheon, and Pocheon on the 14th and 18th respectively to listen to difficulties and requests and discuss regional issues.

Paju City requested the urgent relocation of nearby military facilities to expedite the repair and reinforcement of the aging 'Ribi Bridge' located in Jangpari, Papyeong-myeon.

The province plans to discuss this agenda through the 'Gyeonggi Province and Ground Operations Command Policy Council' and devise various measures to highlight Ribi Bridge and the nearby park development project as representative local tourist resources.

Additionally, the province will consider allowing local governments to utilize some non-essential small-scale land around the military base, and use the village cafe as a welfare facility for military personnel while also creating job opportunities for village residents.

Pocheon City Military Defense Wall Demolition Site [Gyeonggi-do]

Discussions with Pocheon City focused on compensation measures for residents near military airfields and shooting ranges.

Pocheon City requested that the compensation payment, standards, and eligibility criteria for residents in the area be changed from buildings to geographical features.

The province plans to promote this issue as a research project at the Gyeonggi Research Institute and propose institutional improvements to the Ministry of National Defense to find fundamental solutions.

In addition, the province is reviewing a plan to complete the removal of the military protective wall in Yeongsong-ri by June with provincial budget support and agreed to cooperate on installing fences for African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention.

Provincial council members Oh Ji-hye and Lee Won-ung, who participated in the discussions, also expressed their intention to pool efforts at the provincial council level to support regional issues.

Yeon Je-chan, head of the Balanced Development Planning Office, said, "The northern border areas of Gyeonggi are rich in various values including security, ecology, history, and culture," adding, "We will strive to establish security readiness, revitalize the economy, improve welfare for military personnel, create jobs for residents, and enhance convenience for tourists."