Major Projects Becoming Tangible
Fulfilling Resident-Centered Governance
The 8th popularly elected Bonghwa County administration, which launched under the slogan "A Hopeful Bonghwa Where Residents Are the Owners," marks its third anniversary.
Looking back on the past three years, Bonghwa County Governor Park Hyunguk stated, "It was a time when we created the driving force for change that turns crises into opportunities," and added, "For the remaining year, I will continue to put residents at the top priority of the county administration and see it through without wavering."
Over the past three years, Bonghwa County has achieved major milestones in regional development, including attracting large-scale national infrastructure projects, establishing a global exchange platform, innovating smart agriculture, and expanding the foundation for stay-type tourism. The 8th popularly elected administration, which began amid crisis, is evaluated as having laid the groundwork for transformation across all areas of administration, fundamentally changing the structure of the county government.
◆ Attracting a 1.5 Trillion Won National Project... Designing the Next 50 Years with the Pumped Storage Power Plant
The greatest achievement of the 8th administration is, without a doubt, the successful attraction of the pumped storage power plant. This national project, with a total investment of 1.5 trillion won, is the largest in Bonghwa County's history. It is expected to bring direct financial benefits of approximately 120 billion won, including local tax revenue and support funds for areas surrounding the power plant, as well as to create 6,700 jobs and induce 1.5 trillion won in production.
Governor Park emphasized, "The pumped storage power plant is a turning point that will open a new channel for the local economy and will become the core infrastructure responsible for Bonghwa's next 50 years."
◆ 'K-Vietnam Valley' Project Enters Full-Fledged Phase as a Global Culture and Economy Cluster
The 200 billion won 'K-Vietnam Valley Development Project' being promoted by Bonghwa County is also gaining attention as a new growth engine for the region. Based on the historical connection of the descendants of the Ly Dynasty settling in the area, the strategy is to develop forest, ecological, educational, and cultural resources into a cooperation platform with Vietnam.
This year, the county began creating tangible spaces such as Chung-Hyo Park, a multicultural community center, and a Vietnam Lotus Park. In addition, by inviting high-ranking Vietnamese officials in connection with the APEC summit, the county is also strengthening the foundation for international cooperation.
◆ A Rural Area Where Young People Return... 'Smart Agriculture Ecosystem'
The transition to 'smart agriculture,' departing from existing agricultural policies, is also becoming visible. Bonghwa County plans to complete an ICT-based rental smart farm complex this year and is modernizing the agricultural structure by expanding the supply of foreign labor, developing the joint brand 'Haetsal Deumpuk,' and expanding the agricultural machinery rental center.
In particular, the smart farm complex serves as a hub for young rural entrepreneurs and the influx of talent for future agriculture, establishing itself as a key pillar in building a sustainable Bonghwa-style agricultural ecosystem.
◆ Leap Forward as a Year-Round Stay-Type Tourist Destination... "A Place to Stay, Bonghwa"
Bonghwa County is attempting to transform itself from a simple tourist destination into a "year-round stay-type tourism city." The county is expanding infrastructure for younger generations and family tourists, such as a pet village, unique accommodations, and indoor and outdoor children's play areas.
The advancement of Bunjeon Santa Village and the creation of the Beombawi Observatory are strengthening Bonghwa's brand value as a complex cultural tourism destination and revitalizing the local economy overall.
◆ Balanced Urban Development and Expansion of Living SOC... "Significantly Improved Settlement Conditions"
To bridge the gap between the city center and towns, Bonghwa County has improved the residential environment by constructing the Chunyang and Jaesan Administrative Complex Centers, promoting urban regeneration, attracting private apartments, and developing the Naeseong District.
At the same time, the quality of living infrastructure has been noticeably improved through the construction of a public parking tower at Bonghwa Permanent Market, expanded issuance of Bonghwa Love Gift Certificates, water and sewage system upgrades, and expansion of the water intake facility.
◆ Customized Welfare for Each Stage of Life... "Small but Certain Happiness Realized"
In the welfare sector, the county has implemented comprehensive welfare services, including expanding the county-run nursing hospital for the elderly, supporting the recruitment of pediatricians, increasing veterans' allowances, providing filial piety incentives, and supporting bathing, hairdressing, and beauty services.
The full implementation of free rural bus service, UNICEF Child-Friendly City certification, and the construction of daycare centers in educationally disadvantaged areas have contributed to universal welfare and equity in educational opportunities, increasing resident satisfaction.
◆ Establishing the Identity of 'Bonghwa, the City in the Forest'... Building a Foundation for the Healing Industry
Based on the identity of 'Bonghwa, the Forest City,' the county is also fostering the healing industry. The East-West Trail, treehouses, and Chunyang Pine Village School are attracting attention as content combining tourism and education, while the Munsusan Forest Welfare Complex Healing Center and Fragrant Plant Healing Complex are emerging as pilot models for the healthcare industry.
In particular, by attracting the National Forest Safety Institute, Bonghwa County has also secured its status as a hub for forest disaster response.
Governor Park Hyunguk stated, "The achievements of the past three years of the 8th administration were possible thanks to the participation and support of the residents," and added, "For the remaining year, rather than self-congratulation, I will return to the original intention and focus on implementing policies that will bring real change to residents' lives."
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