‘Better Environment, Better Water’ … ‘Oxygen Cafe Cheongsong-gun’ Where Residents Find Happiness

Announcement of This Year's Environmental Sector Promotion Plan

Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, has set the direction for its 2024 environmental policy as "Realizing a Future Environment Where Residents Are Happy with Better Environment and Better Water" to support a green transition across society in response to climate change, create a cleaner and more pleasant environment, and proactively prepare for a better future. The county announced detailed implementation plans accordingly.

Cheongsong-gun announced its 2024 environmental sector promotion plan. (Slate roof demolition scene)

First, to preserve Cheongsong-gun’s pristine natural ecosystem, 5.8 billion KRW will be invested in projects to prevent damage caused by wildlife and to stop the spread of diseases. Additionally, the Jilgogae Ecological Passage project, which connects fragmented ecological corridors along local roads, will be implemented annually over three years to enhance biodiversity and reduce roadkill.

Next, to lay the groundwork for full-scale carbon neutrality implementation, a basic plan will be established to promote close cooperation among county departments to discover carbon reduction projects. To reduce fine dust as part of climate change response, 2.7 billion KRW will be invested in initiatives such as the distribution of electric vehicles and the construction of charging infrastructure, early retirement compensation for old diesel vehicles, installation of emission reduction devices, and subsidies for engine replacement of construction machinery.

Furthermore, to help vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children who have difficulty using information devices (internet and smartphones) easily access fine dust information, one fine dust traffic light displaying local air quality information in real time and one smart air shower capable of blocking ultrafine dust and viruses will be installed at facilities used by these groups. Also, 900 million KRW will be invested in the safe disposal of old slate roofing materials used in buildings and abandoned slate to expand environmental services that allow residents to feel environmental safety in their daily lives.

To ensure stable processing of household waste generated by residents, 2.2 billion KRW will be spent to minimize waste accumulation through timely processing at public and private entrusted facilities, taking the lead in preventing environmental pollution. Additionally, 450 million KRW will be invested to promote the collection of agricultural waste and recyclables generated on farms and improve disposal sites by installing joint collection centers and recycling neighborhood yards. The county will actively promote recycling exchange programs for items such as paper packs and used batteries to create a clean environment, prevent resource waste, and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.

Next, to supply residents with clean and clear tap water, local water supply facility expansion projects will be carried out annually, including the Jinbo Water Supply Facility Expansion Project (total project cost 42 billion KRW - planned), and the Andeok (Hyeonseo) and Bunam Water Supply Facility Expansion Project (total project cost 25.3 billion KRW). Maintenance projects include the Cheongsong-gun Local Water Supply Modernization Project Phase 1 (Cheongsong-eup and Jinbo-myeon: 28 billion KRW), Phase 2 (Juwangsan, Bunam, Andeok, Hyeondong, and Hyeonseo-myeon: 20 billion KRW), and the Cheongsong-gun Local Water Supply Emergency Supply Network Construction Project (14.3 billion KRW).

In particular, the Cheongsong Water Supply Facility Expansion Project completed in 2023 (project cost 39.8 billion KRW) supplied clean tap water to 880 households and 1,792 people who previously lacked local water supply. The subsequent Andeok (Hyeonseo) and Bunam Water Supply Facility Expansion Project also started smoothly in 2023 and is expected to supply local water to 670 households and 1,208 people in the area by December 2026.

Moreover, the Jinbo Water Supply Facility Expansion Project (42 billion KRW) is expected to enable active response to increased water demand through facility upgrades and modernization due to the extended lifespan of the Jinbo Water Purification Plant. The inclusion of the Gyeongbuk Northern Correctional Facility within the county’s local water supply area is also anticipated to greatly aid in attracting related projects such as a women’s prison in the future.

Once these projects are completed, the local water supply coverage rate is expected to improve from 77.3% to 86.1%, significantly enhancing residents’ living conditions and public hygiene. As proven projects are expanded and implemented throughout Cheongsong-gun, even greater synergistic effects are anticipated.

Finally, the county will actively improve residents’ living environment through the expansion of sewage treatment facilities and sewer pipe maintenance projects.

Cheongsong-gun has begun construction after consultation with the Ministry of Environment on a total project cost of 27.5 billion KRW for untreated small-scale sewage treatment areas in Sacheon-myeon Singi-ri, Andeok-myeon Sinseong-ri, and Juwangsan-myeon Sangpyeong-ri and Jiri-ri. The project includes three sewage treatment plants, 17.5 km of sewer pipes, and drainage facilities for 444 households, with full-scale rural village sewage installation planned for completion by the end of 2025.

Additionally, a sewer pipe maintenance project is underway in the Gamun-ri and Seongjae-ri areas of Andeok-myeon with a total project cost of 8.9 billion KRW. Through the expansion of sewage treatment facilities and sewer pipe maintenance, the county aims to improve the water quality of public water bodies and create a pleasant and clean local environment.

To enhance convenience for tourists visiting the "Oxygen Cafe Cheongsong-gun," the county will continue public restroom improvement projects to maintain clean restrooms befitting its pristine image.

County Governor Yoon Kyung-hee stated, “We will create a safe and pleasant environment that residents can trust through multifaceted environmental projects and proper waste disposal. We will do our best to realize the best water welfare and improve quality of life through clean water supply and active sewage treatment, making Cheongsong-gun, the ‘Oxygen Cafe,’ a place where people want to stay.”