Governor Kim Jin-tae: "Samcheok Dogye Economic Promotion Project to Be Completed Without Delay by 2030"

Kim Jin-tae Checks Progress of Early Mine Closure Area Project in Samcheok Dogye
Advanced Medical Industry Cluster to Be Built, Including Carbon Ion Accelerator Cancer Center
Engaging with Dogye Residents
"Will Persuade Government for Kyungdong Sangdeok Mine Operation Until 2030"

Governor Kim Jin-tae of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province visited the site of the early mine closure area economic promotion project located in Dogye-eup, Samcheok City on the 3rd, where he reviewed future project plans and took time to communicate with local residents.

Jin Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited the site of the early mine closure area economic promotion project in Dogye-eup, Samcheok City, on the 3rd to review future project plans and communicate with residents. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

The Samcheok Early Mine Closure Area Economic Promotion Project, which passed the preliminary feasibility study on August 20, is a large-scale initiative with a total project cost of 360.3 billion won. The project aims to establish an advanced medical industry cluster by building a carbon ion accelerator cancer treatment center capable of precisely removing cancer cells, as well as an education and research and development (R&D) center for training professionals and conducting research and development.

First, on this day, Governor Kim visited the planned project site at Saemaeul Apartments (59-8 Heungjeonangil) to receive a briefing on future project plans from Samcheok City officials and to encourage those who worked hard to pass the preliminary feasibility study.

Samcheok City plans to expand consultations with medical experts starting next month to prepare for the central investment review of local finances, and will establish a land development plan for the project site. In addition, the city will strengthen the project’s expertise and competitiveness by forming a partnership with Johns Hopkins University, a world-renowned medical institution, to receive operational know-how for the cancer treatment center and more.

Governor Kim stated, "Dogye, once a mining town where people risked their lives to extract coal, will now be reborn as an advanced medical city that saves lives. The 4.6 billion won for design services has already been included in next year's national budget, and the project will be carried out without delay over the next five years, with completion planned by 2030."

Governor Kim then visited the Samcheok City Dogye-eup Alternative Industry Struggle Committee, which is composed of local residents, to encourage the committee members.

Since its formation on December 29 last year, the committee has continued picketing for 234 days, braving the harsh cold of winter and the scorching asphalt of summer, to appeal for the urgent needs of Dogye residents until the preliminary feasibility study was passed.

Governor Kim wrote in the guestbook, "The economic revival of Dogye begins anew. Together with the people of the province, we will open a new future for Dogye," and encouraged those involved while discussing future tasks.

Jin-Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited the site of the early mine closure area economic promotion project in Dogye-eup, Samcheok City on the 3rd to review future project plans. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

Afterwards, Governor Kim met with local residents at the Dogye Five-Day Market outdoor performance venue to listen to their opinions on local issues and daily inconveniences.

The residents requested the continued operation of Kyungdong Sangdeok Mine, the only privately operated coal mine in Korea, until 2030, and also asked for support for snow removal vehicles to prevent damage from heavy snowfall.

Governor Kim responded, "To ensure the continuity of industry, I will work to persuade the government so that Kyungdong Mine can continue stable operations until 2030." Regarding support for snow removal vehicles, he said, "I understand the disaster risks posed by heavy snowfall, and I will actively consider support if a project plan is submitted."

Additionally, regarding the inconvenience caused by the lack of sidewalks for residents of Sangdeok-ri 1 and 2, he immediately instructed relevant departments to review the matter, recognizing it as a safety issue. For the proposal to revitalize Gangwon National University Dogye Campus, he stated, "We will actively utilize the Glocal and RISE projects, and in cooperation with the city, promote the training of medical and engineering professionals in connection with projects that have passed the preliminary feasibility study."