The Aorta Connecting Divided Living Zones, a Signal for Economic Revitalization
Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 24th that the construction of the Kkachinaejae Tunnel, a long-awaited project for the residents of Buksam-myeon, is being steadily promoted with the goal of completion in July 2026.
The construction of the Kkachinaejae Tunnel, which began in October 2020, is a linear improvement project for the section from Pasan-ri, Gundo-myeon to Samdang-ri, Jakcheon-myeon, L=3.3 km (tunnel 0.94 km, access road 2.36 km, one bridge), with a total construction cost of 70 billion KRW, funded 100% by provincial government funds.
With the opening of the Kkachinaejae Tunnel, the extension of Local Road No. 827 will be shortened by approximately 720 meters, and the road height will be lowered by about 46.5 meters, reducing the number of curve sections by eight. This is expected to eliminate traffic accident risks for road users, improve traffic convenience, and facilitate smoother vehicle flow.
The construction of the Kkachinaejae Tunnel is progressing smoothly with the goal of completion in July 2026, currently showing a 55% progress rate. [Photo by Gangjin-gun]
Kkachinaejae is a gateway connecting the divided living areas of Buksam-myeon, which includes Gangjin-eup, Jakcheon, Byeongyeong, and Omcheon. However, it has also been a major obstacle causing residents of Buksam-myeon to rely on neighboring cities and counties for their daily lives, resulting in consumption activities occurring outside the county. Therefore, the groundbreaking of the Kkachinaejae Tunnel marks the fruition of a 30-year-long resident wish of Gangjin-gun and is expected to serve as a signal for more active economic activities within the region in the future.
Originally, the project was finalized in 2009 and was scheduled to begin construction after completing the detailed design in 2012. However, due to the Board of Audit and Inspection’s concerns about economic feasibility, the project was delayed for a long time, facing many twists and turns before construction could start. Nevertheless, driven by the earnest wishes of local residents, the Kkachinaejae Tunnel construction is currently progressing smoothly with an overall completion rate of about 55%.
Once the Kkachinaejae Tunnel is completed, it will expand transportation convenience for local residents, integrate the divided living areas with Gangjin-eup, and significantly improve accessibility for tourists, becoming a new driving force for revitalizing the local economy.
Recently, Gangjin-gun has gained recognition as the top local government for population policies responding to local extinction and declared the “Gangjin Half-Price + Tourism Year.” By linking events such as Jakcheon Kkachinae Park, Byeongyeong Bulgeumbulpa and Hamel Village, and the Elephant Garlic Flower 3 Days Festival, the county has attracted a large number of tourists with various attractions and activities utilizing unique local resources.
The county, fully committed to achieving economic effects akin to actual population growth through local festivals and tourism, expects that improving transportation conditions will lay the foundation for balanced regional development.
Gangjin-gun Governor Kang Jin-won said, “The construction of the Kkachinaejae Tunnel, a 30-year-long wish of the residents, is progressing smoothly, and we will work closely with Jeollanam-do to ensure the project is completed early.”
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