Mayor Kim Hong-gyu, "East Sea Headquarters to Lead Yeongdong Development in the Province's Second Office Era"

Strengthening Marine, Fisheries, and Tourism Industry Functions
Setting the Stage for Revitalization of the Yeongdong Region

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-chul] Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, announced on the 21st that "now is the right time to upgrade the Gangwon East Coast Headquarters to a second government office for the success of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and balanced development of Gangwon Province.

Kim Hong-gyu, Mayor of Gangneung [Photo by Gangneung City]

Mayor Kim Hong-gyu of Gangneung emphasized the "upgrade of the Gangwon East Coast Headquarters to a second government office" in relation to the second government office upgrade of Gangwon Province.

He added, "So far, the Yeongdong region has been relatively underdeveloped compared to the Yeongseo area due to various unfavorable conditions such as geographical factors, and it has faced the risk of regional extinction due to continuous population outflow."

He also stressed, "Despite difficult circumstances, the Yeongdong region has developed into a hub for tourism and economy on the East Coast through Gangneung's unique policies, and has expanded various infrastructures such as railroads, roads, and ports."

Mayor Kim expressed his aspiration, saying, "Based on the upgrade of the East Coast Headquarters to a second government office, I want to lead the Yeongdong region, which is relatively underdeveloped compared to Yeongseo and suffering from continuous population outflow, towards development."

The Gangwon East Coast Headquarters started as the Donghae Branch Office of Gangwon Province in 1967 and has played a central role in the marine and fisheries sector for 56 years this year.

Jumunjin, where the East Coast Headquarters is located, is situated in the center of the East Coast and is a marine and fisheries hub with the best fishing port in Yeongdong. It occupies a strategic geographical position adjacent to major roads such as the Yeongdong Expressway and the Gangneung Line KTX.

The city expects that upgrading the East Coast Headquarters to a second government office will provide a turning point for revitalizing the depressed Yeongdong region, is essential to solve the historical task of the success of the Special Self-Governing Province, and will serve as a foundation to seize opportunities for regional development.

Mayor Kim said, "I will continuously consult not only with government ministries but also with Gangwon Province to ensure that the launch of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province becomes a solid stepping stone for Gangneung's great leap forward for the next 100 years," adding, "Starting with the upgrade of the East Coast Headquarters to a second government office, we will overcome the limitations of Daegwallyeong and advance as the top city in Gangwon Province."