'Finding Answers On Site'… Kang Yong-seok's Tourism Revitalization Pledge: "Deregulation and Safety Enhancement"

Installation of Closed-Circuit (CC) TV, Improvement and Increase of Safety Personnel
Pension, Auto Camping Sites, Campsites, and General Restaurants: Deregulation and Relaxation

Gyeonggi Province Governor candidate Kang Yong-seok announced a pledge to revitalize local tourism on the 16th at Yongso Waterfall in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province. [Screenshot from Garosero Research Institute YouTube broadcast]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Independent candidate Kang Yong-seok for Gyeonggi Province governor announced a pledge focused on tourism safety and deregulation titled "Revitalization of Local Tourism in Gyeonggi and Strengthening Safety at Valley Resorts."

Candidate Kang notably differentiated himself from other competitors by visiting the relevant locations in person and announcing his pledge through a live broadcast on his YouTube channel "Garosero Research Institute," where he serves as director.

On the afternoon of the 16th, as Kang’s tourism-related pledge was broadcast live in front of Yongso Waterfall in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, viewers presumed to be supporters left comments such as "Governor Kang Yong-seok who inspects every corner on site," "Our Director Kang who identifies issues on the spot," "Such a diligent and passionate gubernatorial candidate," "Director Kang who conducts thorough field investigations," and "Announcing pledges that are timely and essential."

Kang stated, "I chose Yongso Waterfall as the location to announce the tourism revitalization pledge because I believe that valley tourism and local tourism, which are the most accessible and familiar tourist attractions, should not be stifled by regulations or threaten the local economy."

When breaking news about the arrest of the suspect in the 'Gapyeong Valley Murder' came in during the pledge announcement, Kang emphasized, "It is not right to ban swimming and diving due to accidents occurring at tourist sites where people should freely enjoy themselves. Creating safe tourist sites that provide enjoyment for the public is a productive solution."

Viewers responded with comments such as "The suspect, who had been at large for four months, was arrested at Yongso Valley in Gapyeong on the day Director Kang announced his pledge," "Seems like the energy of Garosero Research Institute was conveyed," "It’s quite remarkable and meaningful how the broadcast was promoted," and "It’s chilling that the suspect was caught during the live broadcast breaking news."

Kang also expressed, "I want to restore the once-thriving tourist spots in the eastern and northeastern parts of Gyeonggi, which were most visited by Seoul and Gyeonggi residents, and promote them as safe and beautiful natural tourist destinations."

He pledged, "We will improve the treatment of safety personnel at tourist sites and deploy more of them so that anyone can enjoy tourism safely and comfortably. We will also correct the lax safety management system at resorts by installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) and other measures."

To revitalize local tourism, Kang said, "We will eliminate or significantly ease excessive regulations on pensions, auto camping sites, campgrounds, and general restaurants, and allow local residents to directly operate restaurants and lodging businesses to boost the local economy."

He also proposed pledges for securing walking trails within tourist sites, improving parking facilities, and repairing aging infrastructure.

The key pledges for "Revitalization of Tourism in Northeastern Gyeonggi and Strengthening Safety at Valley Resorts" include ▲installation of CCTV and accident prevention ▲placement of life-saving tubes and vests ▲raising wages, improving treatment, and extending working hours for safety personnel to ensure safe water activities.

Additionally, the pledges include ▲increasing local residents’ income through tourism revitalization ▲providing opportunities to enjoy pristine nature ▲abolishing permit regulations for campgrounds, auto camping sites, pensions, and general restaurants ▲creating affordable and clean accommodations and resolving local tourism inconveniences ▲repairing aging facilities and creating walking trails ▲and revitalizing tourism in northeastern Gyeonggi.

Kang promised, "Good tourist destinations are not only found overseas. I, Kang Yong-seok, will achieve the revitalization of Gyeonggi local tourism and the strengthening of safety at valley resorts that everyone can enjoy."

While touring regions related to Gyeonggi Province pledges, Kang previously announced on the 10th a pledge to abolish the regulation forcing large marts in Gyeonggi to close twice a month in front of the Shinsegae E-Mart in Uijeongbu.

Meanwhile, Garosero Research Institute recently attracted public attention, including from the political sphere, by releasing a recording related to allegations of sexual bribery involving Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party.