Park Hyungkuk, Governor of Bonghwa: "Designing Bonghwa's Next 50 Years with Pumped-Storage Power Plant and K-Vietnam Valley"

Accelerating Tangible Change for Residents
Comprehensive Innovation in Daily Life, Tourism, and Agriculture
Final Year Dedicated to Delivering Results Residents Can Feel

Bonghwa County's local government marks the third anniversary of the launch of its 8th popularly elected administration. Park Hyungkuk, Governor of Bonghwa County, reflected, "It has been three years of turning crisis into opportunity," and pledged to devote all efforts in the remaining year to achieving "tangible, citizen-centered change."

Park Hyungkuk, Bonghwa County Governor, is being interviewed by a reporter from Asia Economy.

There is a consensus that over the past three years, Bonghwa has achieved a diverse range of results, from major national projects that will shape its future to welfare programs closely tied to daily life, as well as innovations in tourism and agriculture.

◆ Reflections on Three Years in Office

Governor Park said, "I began with the original intention of building a hopeful Bonghwa where residents are the true owners, but the ongoing uncertainty after COVID-19 meant that not a single day was easy. Thanks to the encouragement and participation of our citizens, we were able to turn crisis into opportunity and generate the momentum for change. All the achievements of the past three years are due to the efforts of each and every citizen," he emphasized.

◆ The Greatest Achievement: Attracting the Pumped-Storage Power Plant

The most significant achievement cited by Bonghwa County is, without question, the successful bid to attract a pumped-storage power plant. With a total project cost of 1.5 trillion won, this is the largest national project since the county's establishment.

During construction and operation, the project is expected to generate 120 billion won in local tax revenue, provide support funds for areas surrounding the power plant, create over 6,700 jobs, and induce 1.5 trillion won in overall economic output. Governor Park described it as "the cornerstone for planning Bonghwa's next 50 years and a catalyst for attracting new industries and creating jobs."

◆ Securing New Growth Engines with the 'K-Vietnam Valley'

Bonghwa County is also pursuing the 'K-Vietnam Valley' project, which integrates forest, ecological, and cultural resources with the historical ties to Vietnam's Ly Dynasty. The goal is to invest a total of 200 billion won to develop it into a core cluster for Korea-Vietnam exchanges.

This year, the county will focus on expanding tourism and cultural infrastructure, including the construction of the Chung-Hyo Park, a multicultural community center, and a Vietnamese Lotus Park. Governor Park stated, "Taking advantage of the APEC Summit, we will invite key Vietnamese figures to Bonghwa to strengthen practical economic and cultural cooperation."

◆ Industrializing Agriculture

Governor Park has redefined agriculture as a cutting-edge industry rather than merely a means of subsistence. By completing the 'Leased Smart Farm Complex Project' within the year, the county will establish ICT-based smart greenhouses and supporting facilities, aiming to attract young farmers and strengthen the competitiveness of local agriculture.

Additionally, the county plans to accelerate the creation of a sustainable agricultural ecosystem by expanding the agricultural budget, facilitating the influx of foreign workers, and developing a joint agricultural brand, 'Haetsal Deumpuk.'

◆ Transforming into a Year-Round Tourist City

Bonghwa is striving to reinvent itself as a year-round destination. The county is working to attract young people and family tourists through the development of a new cherry blossom festival, the creation of a pet village, the expansion of specialized accommodations, the construction of the Beombawi Observatory and a children's playground, and the further development of the Buncheon Santa Village.

◆ Improving Living Conditions and Settlement Environment

To improve residents' quality of life, the county has promoted the construction of the Chunyang and Jaesan Administrative Complex Centers, completed the first phase of the Naeseong District urban development project, initiated urban regeneration projects, and facilitated the construction of private apartments. The county has also expanded living infrastructure, including building a parking tower at the traditional market, increasing the issuance of the Bonghwa Love gift certificate, and upgrading water and sewage systems.

Governor Park projected, "Accessibility will be dramatically improved with the construction of the North-South Axis Expressway and the East-West Trans-Korea Railway in the central region."

◆ Achievements in Welfare and Education

The county has expanded tailored welfare services, including the expansion of the county-run geriatric hospital, support for establishing a pediatric department, increasing veterans' allowances, providing filial piety incentives, and subsidizing bathing and grooming expenses. Advanced educational environments have also been created, such as 'Everyone's Playground,' the construction of new daycare centers, and UNICEF Child-Friendly City certification.

In particular, the policy of providing free rural bus service is cited as a leading example of transportation welfare.

◆ Future Direction for County Administration

Governor Park stated, "We will strengthen the 'City in the Forest, Bonghwa' brand and foster the forest and healing industries as future strategies. We will also expand creative projects that combine forest resources with education and tourism, such as the East-West Trail, treehouses, Chunyang Pine Village School, Munsusan Healing Center, and Fragrant Plant Healing Complex."

He emphasized, "In the remaining year, I will return to my original intentions rather than self-congratulation, and will complete changes that our citizens can truly feel."

From the reporter's perspective, Governor Park Hyungkuk is a "field-oriented administrator" who has maintained a clear sense of direction even in times of crisis, balancing large-scale national projects with policies addressing everyday life. His commitment to enhancing regional sustainability through a balance of major projects and grassroots initiatives is clear. With one year left in his term, attention is focused on how Bonghwa County's vision for the future will be realized.

Korea Midland Power-Bonghwa County, Park Hyunguk, Bonghwa County Governor, is giving a greeting speech at the pumped-storage power plant attraction appreciation event.