Gapyeong Charts Its Future... Takes First Step Toward Border Area Development Plan

Gapyeong County Holds Kickoff Meeting for Comprehensive Development Plan
Mid- to Long-Term Strategy to Be Established Over Eight Months...
Super-Regional Collaboration Expected to Drive Growth

Gapyeong County in Gyeonggi Province has officially begun the process of establishing a comprehensive plan for the development of border areas, taking its first step toward regional balanced development and the creation of high value-added industries.

Seo Taewon, Gapyeong County Governor, held a kickoff meeting for the 'Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Border Areas' project at the second government office on the 14th. Provided by Gapyeong County

On May 14, Gapyeong County held a kickoff meeting for the 'Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Border Areas' project at the second government office. The county announced on May 15 that it is starting to establish a mid- to long-term strategy to explore development directions for all of Gapyeong over the next eight months.

This meeting is especially significant as it marks the starting point of the first practical development roadmap since Gapyeong County was officially designated as a border area.

The event was attended by Seo Taewon, Governor of Gapyeong County, Seong Injae, Director of Balanced Development at Gyeonggi Province, Vice Governor Kim Miseong, as well as key senior officials and about 40 participants including heads of towns and townships, who shared the project’s direction and detailed plans.

Global & Local Brain Park Co., Ltd., which is in charge of the project, will undertake key tasks over the next eight months. These include developing strategic responses to the border area designation, identifying region-specific industries, devising regulatory relaxation measures, and establishing strategies for securing and executing funding. In particular, the company also plans to develop a super-regional development plan in collaboration with neighboring cities and counties, which is expected to create synergy among the regions.

Governor Seo Taewon stated, "This comprehensive plan goes beyond a simple administrative plan. It is an important process to provide practical compensation to residents who have endured disadvantages and neglect as a border area, and to newly design the future of Gapyeong." He called for everyone to pool their wisdom so that a wide range of residents’ opinions can be fully reflected.

Through the establishment of this comprehensive plan, Gapyeong County aims to fill the gap created by being excluded from the border area designation for the past 20 years, and to accelerate regional balanced development and the foundation for future growth by securing national funding and policy support.