Geochang Becomes Even More ‘Geochang’... Systematic Management of Key Issues and Promotion of the ‘Greater Geochang 100 Major Projects’

Excellent Implementation Rates in Communication and Harmony Military Administration, Health and Welfare, and Premium Education City Sectors

Geochang County Office.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam Province, is systematically managing major current projects this year to realize the era of ‘Greater Geochang, Citizens’ Happiness’ by promoting the ‘Greater Geochang 100 Major Projects.’

Since last year, Geochang-gun has designated 124 major projects?including the 7th local government’s campaign pledges, the latter half’s six visions, New Deal initiatives, large-scale construction, and projects aimed at normalizing difficult tasks?as the ‘Greater Geochang 100 Major Projects.’ These were divided into eight strategies for focused management according to their nature.

According to Geochang-gun, among the 66 projects scheduled for completion within the 7th local government term (by this June), 52 projects have been completed, including the creation of Gamaksan Anti-Aging Wellness Experience Center, establishment of a southern regional agricultural machinery rental office, development of a complex youth mall in Geochang traditional market, creation of a premium birch forest, and development of five major regional tourist zones in the east, west, south, and north.

The areas with excellent implementation rates by strategy are ▲ realization of communication and harmony in county administration ▲ health and welfare enjoyed by all citizens ▲ premium educational city where people want to live, all showing high implementation rates.

Among these, the realization of communication and harmony in county administration includes 14 completed projects such as operating a listening and visiting mobile county office and creating a safe dining environment for citizens.

The health and welfare sector enjoyed by citizens includes the installation and operation of a respiratory specialty clinic, non-face-to-face health management using a mobile health management app, a health care physician system for cancer patients, and dementia prevention programs at all health clinics. In preparation for the COVID-19 situation, primary medical care for respiratory patients in the region is being provided along with customized integrated health care services combining health, medical, and welfare.

The premium educational city sector has promoted the construction of LH rental housing to save small schools and the establishment of U-Libraries in township units. This effort saves township elementary schools facing closure and enhances the status of a premium educational city by providing a 24-hour non-face-to-face book lending and return system in areas with limited access to book loans.

Geochang Anti-Aging Healing Land, which was closed due to the COVID-19 impact, reopened in November last year and has surpassed 226,000 cumulative visitors as of last week.

The suspension bridge at Suseungdae, scheduled for completion in August this year, is expected to become a foothold for Geochang to emerge as the nation’s top forest recreation tourism destination, following the Y-shaped suspension bridge at Anti-Aging Healing Land.

The first phase of the Gajo Ground and Park Golf Course project has been completed, establishing sports and tourism infrastructure linked with the Y-shaped suspension bridge and family hot springs. The Gamaksan Wellness Experience Center, which attracted 110,000 visitors last year, was selected for the barrier-free sharing trail (4 km) project in last year’s public contest and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

Together with Changpowon, Anti-Aging Healing Land, and Suseungdae, Geochang is expected to attract over one million tourists annually as a cultural and tourism city where nature breathes.

The Geochang Apple Food Market project, scheduled for completion this year, will be the nation’s first apple and food market where visitors can experience, taste, and purchase products made from apples. It is expected to have a significant promotional effect by securing the image of Geochang as the apple hometown.

The Future Agriculture Complex Education Center will respond to diverse technical demands of farmers and provide equal agricultural education opportunities to relatively vulnerable groups such as new and female farmers.

County Governor Goo In-mo said, “We will improve the quality of life through inspection of current projects,” adding, “We will focus on managing mid- to long-term policy projects continuously and devote administrative power until the moment they are completed.”