First Military Regulation Lifted Based on the 'Gangwon Special Act'

Four Areas in Cheorwon and Hwacheon Covering 12.9㎢ Released from Military Restrictions
Governor Kim: "Restoration of Residents' Property Rights and Revitalization of Tourism Expected"

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on the 26th that, for the first time since the revision and enforcement of the Gangwon Special Act in June last year, a total of 4 locations within the province, equivalent to the area of 1,808 soccer fields (12.9㎢), will be released from military restrictions.

Since the revision and enforcement of the Gangwon Special Act in June last year, a total of four areas within Gangwon Province, equivalent to the size of 1,808 soccer fields or 12.9㎢, will be released from military restrictions for the first time. Graphic provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

The areas where restrictions are lifted include the Sinbeol District in Cheorwon-gun (Wasuri, Unjang-ri, Sagok-ri) with a 1.6 km northward shift of the Civilian Control Line (2.39㎢), Andong Bridge area in Hwacheon-gun (Pungsan-ri, Dongchon-ri) with a 3.5 km northward shift of the Civilian Control Line (10.04㎢), and the Goseokjeong tourist site and food support center in Cheorwon covering 0.47㎢.

The partial expansion of the Cheorwon Sinbeol district, one of the four areas in Gangwon Province to be lifted from military restrictions for the first time since the revision and enforcement of the Gangwon Special Act in June last year. Graphic provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

Previously, the governor did not have the legal authority to propose the designation, change, or cancellation of the Civilian Control Line or protected areas. However, through the revision of the Gangwon Special Act, the governor was granted the authority to directly propose such changes to the Ministry of National Defense. Additionally, if the proposal is not accepted, the commanding officer of the relevant unit must provide reasons, establishing a procedural requirement.

Partial expansion view of the Hwacheon Andong Cheolgyo area, one of the four regions in Gangwon Province to be lifted from military restrictions for the first time since the revision and enforcement of the Gangwon Special Act in June last year. Graphic provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

In Gangwon Province, to actively utilize the governor’s authority under the Gangwon Special Act, proactive measures were taken even before the revision was enforced, including identifying regulated areas and conducting on-site investigations. In June 2024, a total of 28 military restriction improvement tasks were collectively proposed to the Ministry of National Defense.

Since then, frequent on-site consultations have been held with the Ministry of National Defense and the relevant military units, and active responses have been made to the Military Base and Military Facility Protection Deliberation Committee.

The Sinbeol District in Cheorwon-gun, where restrictions are now lifted, is an area with active farming activities. Previously, the uniform designation of protected areas caused significant inconvenience to residents’ access, but with this deregulation, construction activities will be possible, and residents’ property rights are expected to expand.

Andong Bridge in Hwacheon-gun will see greatly improved accessibility to nearby tourist attractions such as Baekamsan Cable Car, which is expected to contribute to the revitalization of DMZ tourism.

Furthermore, the Goseokjeong tourist site and food support center in Cheorwon-gun, which Governor Kim Jin-tae inspected last year during a military restriction site visit, will see eased restrictions on construction activities and height limits, enabling full-scale promotion of local tourism development and facility establishment.

Governor Kim Jin-tae stated, “This is the first military restriction relief since the revision of the Gangwon Special Act,” adding, “Through the lifting of military restrictions, the inconvenience of residents’ passage will be resolved, property rights restored, and tourism revitalization is also expected.”