Budget Allocated for “Best Year” in Farmer Support and Senior Welfare
Residents Say, “We Support the Half-Price Travel Policy... It Helps Sustain Sales and Market Access”
Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province (Governor Kang Jinwon), is ushering in a “New Gangjin Era” as residents actively participate in the county’s key initiatives, such as the Gangjin Half-Price Trip for Everyone and the county’s four-season festivals full of charm, which are seen as the path forward for the region.
According to the county, the 2025 Dialogue with Residents, which began in Gundong-myeon from the 10th to the 17th and was held in all 11 towns and townships, concluded successfully. The detailed presentation of county achievements and vision by Governor Kang Jinwon led to highly engaged participation from residents.
The Dialogue with Residents saw participation from diverse groups and professions across the county. The event featured unique pre-ceremony performances tailored to each region, words of encouragement to the governor and officials, commendations for those leading innovation, a direct explanation of county affairs by the governor, and a Q&A session where residents’ suggestions were addressed on the spot, enhancing engagement.
County Governor Kang Jinwon is explaining the achievements of the county administration in 2024 and the direction for 2025 through a dialogue with the residents. Courtesy of Gangjin County
Governor Kang utilized various video materials and screens and engaged in face-to-face conversations. When more detailed explanations were needed, the relevant department heads responded directly, ensuring a resident-centered dialogue.
The residents’ response and evaluations were enthusiastic. At the event, Kim Yuho, head of the Daegu-myeon village leaders, said, “The governor personally explained why the half-price travel policy is necessary and how Gangjin County is able to execute its work so perfectly. We were once again reminded of the governor’s leadership and the competence of the officials,” giving a big round of applause.
Kim Taeok, head of the Maryang-myeon village leaders, said during the dialogue, “Various projects linked to the Fishing Village New Vitality Project and the transformation of the Maryang Nolto Seafood Market stage are expected to align with the half-price travel initiative, making this year even more promising. Moreover, with the recent selection of the four-lane expansion and paving of National Road 23 between Gangjin-eup and Maryang as a preliminary feasibility project, the development of Maryang is now proving to be the development of Gangjin,” he said, giving a thumbs up.
Maryang-myeon also received added significance when Song Byeongseok, head of Daedeok-eup in neighboring Jangheung County, donated 1 million won as a hometown love contribution.
Governor Kang continued by discussing the resident population. He predicted that as the four-day workweek gradually becomes a reality, people will spend four days in the city and three days in rural areas, which will be made possible by the opening of the Gangjin-Gwangju Expressway.
He reiterated his determination that, at this critical juncture, the county will present a vision and, with the combined efforts of officials, residents, and council members, usher in a dynamic New Gangjin Era by encouraging active investment.
He also outlined the main directions of county administration. As an agricultural county, bold support for farmers is a priority. Gangjin County is striving to double farmers’ income by allocating 28.2% of this year’s total budget to agricultural income growth.
Furthermore, to foster the Korean beef industry, the county is investing more than three times the Jeonnam average, particularly using county funds to support all Korean beef farms, easing the burden on livestock farmers.
Especially amid the crisis of regional decline, the county has emphasized that attracting tourists and hosting successful festivals are key to revitalizing the area. Last year, Gangjin was the first in the nation to implement the “Gangjin Half-Price Trip for Everyone,” which has proven highly effective.
Last year, 2.82 million tourists visited Gangjin, allowing small businesses throughout Gangjin, including Gangjin-eup, to maintain their livelihoods with almost no closures, clearly demonstrating that festivals served as a catalyst for revitalizing the local economy.
Additionally, the county has designated this year as the “Best Year for Senior Welfare,” allocating 22.5% of the total budget, or 58.4 billion won, to welfare spending.
Based on this Dialogue with Residents, the county plans to actively reflect the opinions gathered to promote various policies aimed at advancing county administration and improving residents’ quality of life, working together with residents for Gangjin’s growth in 2025.
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