Gangjin-gun Utilizes Old Beacon Mound to Revitalize Local Economy

33 Billion Investment, Construction Starting in 2025, Developing a 4th Industrial Revolution Forward Base

Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 18th that it has completed the basic plan establishment service for revitalizing the former Seonghwadae by utilizing the idle facilities and land of the former Seonghwadae to improve the quality of life of local residents and strengthen regional tourism competitiveness.

The former Seonghwadae, which was closed in 2012, remained a dark burden accelerating population outflow and commercial district decline as an existing university site.

Gangjin-gun purchased all the assets of the closed former Seonghwadae last September to address the issue of local extinction and improve the regional situation.

As part of these efforts, the revitalization plan for the former Seonghwadae is expected to play an important role in re-emerging as a hub for local content and a base space for youth.

Panoramic View of the Olympic Cauldron
Photo by Gangjin-gun

The county established a basic plan and an implementation plan utilizing idle facilities and land through the basic plan establishment service for the revitalization of the former Seonghwadae.

This revitalization basic plan is attracting attention as a case of utilizing idle facilities and land within the facilities of a closed university, the first among 22 closed universities nationwide.

This basic plan, carried out in three stages, is expected to secure about 33 billion KRW in project costs from the first stage and to be active in various fields such as education, culture, and tourism industries.

In particular, the county plans to build and operate a digital innovation experience center with the goal of starting construction next year, and is currently pursuing agreements with anchor companies for this purpose.

Through this, companies in the fourth industrial revolution fields such as AI mobility, UAM, IT/SW development, and healthcare are being attracted, raising expectations for regional economic revitalization.

Once tenant companies move in, education and startup programs will also be supported, and various educational opportunities will be provided for youth and job seekers.

Additionally, by establishing workation and residence facilities linked to Gangjin’s natural tourist sites, opportunities will be created for companies to enjoy work and vacation simultaneously.

Gang Jin-won, the county governor, said, “The ultimate goal of the former Seonghwadae revitalization plan is to inject vitality and liveliness into the region more than before the university was closed and to revitalize the local economy,” adding, “We will do our best to transform the closed university into a center of regional revitalization and to leap forward as the hub of the southern region of Jeollanam-do.”