Seo Taewon, Gapyeong County Governor, Prepares 414.8 Billion Won Budget Proposal for Next Year

Seo County Governor: "We Will Achieve Results That Residents Can Feel"
Policy Speech at Council on the 25th... Pledges "Full Effort for Regional Development and Economic Revitalization"
Emphasizes Building Gapyeong County Together by Dreaming, Challenging, and Growing Together

"In the latter half of my term, I will focus all efforts on creating tangible achievements that residents can directly feel, as well as on the development of the county and the revitalization of the local economy."

Seo Taewon, the Governor of Gapyeong-gun, introduced multifaceted strategies for county development while announcing the major projects and budget plan for 2025.

Seo Taewon, the governor of Gapyeong County, is presenting the major projects and budget plan for 2025 during the policy speech held at the Gapyeong County Council on the 25th, introducing multifaceted strategies for the development of the county. Provided by Gapyeong County

In his policy speech held on the 25th at the Gapyeong County Council, Governor Seo emphasized the importance of next year's projects, stating, "We must produce practical results that residents can experience during the remaining term." The 2025 budget is set at a total of 414.8 billion KRW, with 396 billion KRW allocated to the general account and 18.8 billion KRW to other special accounts.

In his speech, Governor Seo said, "The 2025 Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival and the Gyeonggi-do Para Sports Festival, which we have been preparing for the past two years, present a golden opportunity for our county to leap from the 'periphery' to the 'center' of northern Gyeonggi-do." He pledged thorough preparations for the successful hosting of these events. These festivals are expected to play a significant role not only in promoting Gapyeong-gun but also in revitalizing the economy and strengthening community bonds.

Governor Seo also announced major changes in Gapyeong-gun's tourism policy, stating, "We will develop various software products such as Korail-linked tours and incentives for travel agencies recruiting foreign visitors, aiming to attract a living population of 10 million." He plans to expand tourism content through the operation of Jaraseom Workation and the waterfront belt project connecting Seodo and Jungdo islands, and to provide new attractions and experiential opportunities by registering local gardens in Gyeonggi-do.

He further stated, "We will establish new projects for senior-customized job creation, youth employment, startups, and housing policy packages to provide practical support to young people." He emphasized, "In particular, we will re-pursue the establishment of a provisional Talent Development Foundation to nurture local talent and provide education for residents throughout their life cycles, taking responsibility for scholarship programs, youth projects, and lifelong education."

He also presented key projects and visions for revitalizing the local economy. Selected for the '2024 Rural Agreement Public Project,' Gapyeong-gun plans to invest a total of 30 billion KRW, including 21 billion KRW in national funds, by 2029 to improve living conditions in four areas: Cheongpyeong-myeon, Seorak-myeon, Sang-myeon, and Jojong-myeon. Additionally, through the 3rd Gyeonggi-do Regional Balanced Development Project, the county secured a provincial budget of 40 billion KRW, laying the foundation for regional development.

Regarding the expansion of social overhead capital (SOC), Governor Seo said, "The Gapyeong-Hyeonri section of Local Road No. 364 and the Sangpan-Jeokmok road were selected for the Gyeonggi-do Grand Renovation Project, and feasibility study service fees have been reflected in the budget." He added, "We will do our best to ensure that Gapyeong-gun's opinions are reflected in national plans concerning large-scale road construction projects such as the 2nd Gyeongchun National Road, Homyeong Tunnel, and the GTX-B line's stop at Cheongpyeong Station."

He also plans to accelerate the creation of industrial complexes. Governor Seo stated, "We signed a joint business agreement with the Gyeonggi Urban Housing Corporation to develop the Sang-myeon General Industrial Complex, aiming to start construction in 2026 and complete it by 2028, and we will proceed with administrative procedures accordingly." He added, "We will actively cooperate with Gyeonggi-do to ensure that Gapyeong-gun is included in the Opportunity Development Special Zone, which has not yet been allocated by the Local Era Committee."

Strengthening resident welfare was also presented as a core task. Governor Seo announced, "The free shingles vaccination, initially provided to 3,000 seniors aged 65 and over, will be expanded next year to cover all seniors aged 65 and above." In the Cheongpyeong, Jojong, and Seorak areas, regional children's play experience facilities are planned for completion by 2026, and the Gapyeong-gun Senior Welfare Center is scheduled to begin construction next year.

The establishment of a public medical institution was mentioned as a key project for the health and safety of residents. Governor Seo expressed strong determination for the construction of a public medical institution, stating, "We will continue consultations with Gyeonggi-do and the Ministry of National Defense, using the site of the National Army Cheongpyeong Hospital as the project site."

With the growing importance of climate change and environmental protection, Governor Seo plans to continue efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and carbon emissions by supporting installation costs for solar power, solar heat, and geothermal systems for homeowners and building owners. He also stated that he will actively apply for grants to install electric vehicle charging stations to encourage the use of eco-friendly transportation.

In the cultural sector, the establishment of the Gapyeong-gun Cultural Foundation is planned. Through this, the county aims to strengthen the substance of local culture and lead various public projects and cultural promotion activities. Year-round diverse cultural events will be held at Music Station 1939 and Youth Station 1979 plazas, providing rich cultural experiences for residents and tourists.

Governor Seo concluded his policy speech by emphasizing, "The spirit of not fearing challenges and failures will make Gapyeong-gun stronger," and added, "Your participation and support are more important than ever. Let us create a Gapyeong-gun that dreams together, challenges together, and grows together."